Art, Metaphysics and Civilization: Reading “The White Peacock” as the First Philosophical Work of D. H. Lawrence
Art, Metaphysics and Civilization: Reading “The White Peacock” as the First Philosophical Work of D. H. Lawrence
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Abstract
D. H. Lawrence claims that art comes into being through the emergence of metaphysics. He evinces a deep anxiety about metaphysics deteriorating because of the scientific and societal developments in early 20th-century Europe. This paper demonstrates that his attempt to realise his ideal art — art that is completely dependent on metaphysics — is seen in his first novel, The White Peacock, which is not generally regarded as a philosophical work. First, the paper defines the close relationship between Lawrence’s art creation and modern European civilisation and conducts a philosophical analysis of the narrative discourse with reference to the ideas of Arthur Schopenhauer — a considerable influence for Lawrence at the time of writing. Second, it verifies the idea that metaphysics is a substantial motive in Lawrence’s novel, one that enables him to approach the problems of modern European civilisation through the medium of literature.
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