Lawrence and Comedy [Hardcover]

This 1996 book revises the accepted notion of Lawrence as a humourless writer to reveal a genuine comic talent.This collection of essays by distinguished scholars explores the range, scope and sheer verve of Lawrence's comic writing. Lawrence's novels, short stories, plays, letters and poems are full of comic moments which develop his critique of the modern failure of the mystic impulse. Lawrence used comedy to create an alternative cultural and social space, to distance himself from the dominant orthodoxy surrounding him. This book revises the popular image of Lawrence as a humourless writer and reveals his strategic use of a genuine comic talentThis collection of essays by distinguished scholars explores the range, scope and sheer verve of Lawrence's comic writing. Lawrence's novels, short stories, plays, letters and poems are full of comic moments which develop his critique of the modern failure of the mystic impulse. Lawrence used comedy to create an alternative cultural and social space, to distance himself from the dominant orthodoxy surrounding him. This book revises the popular image of Lawrence as a humourless writer and reveals his strategic use of a genuine comic talentThis collection of essays by distinguished scholars explores the range, scope and sheer verve of Lawrence's comic writing. Lawrence's novels, short stories, plays, letters and poems are full of comic moments that develop his critique of the modern failure of the mystic impulse. Lawrence used comedy to create an alternative cultural and social space, to distance himself from the dominant orthodoxy surrounding him. This book revises the popular image of Lawrence as a humorless writer and reveals his strategic use of a genuine comic talent.Acknowledgements; Introduction Paul Eggert; 1. Drama and mimicry in Lawrence John Worthen; 2. Mischief or merriment, amazement and amusement - and malice: Women in Love Howard Mills; 3. Comedy and hysteria in Aaron's Rod John Turner; 4. D. H. Lawrence and hilC†