sons and lovers plotoverview
...becomes the focus of her life. Paul gets an office job at a surgical appliances factory and strikes a friendship with Miriam Leivers. He helps Miriam overcome her many physical fears and teaches her French and algebra. Miriam appeals to Paul's own growing mysticism and creativity. They carry on a very intimate, but purely platonic, relationship for many years. Their love is made difficult by the fondness Paul's mother has for him that is protective to the point of dependence. Mrs. Morel fears Miriam will suck the life and energy out of her son with nothing left for her. As Paul grows into manhood, he finds his spiritual relationship with Miriam unsatisfactory. He eventually realizes he wants to have a sexual relationship with her, but he knows how much she fears sex. Meanwhile, Paul meets Clara Dawes, who has left her unfaithful husband, Baxter Dawes. As the relationship between Miriam and Paul becomes more hopeless, his affinity for the older, sensuous Clara develops. She helps him find the courage to approach Miriam as a lover. Finally Paul and Miriam make love. Miriam acts as if this is a sacrifice she makes for Paul. Paul can't stand feeling that his wanting Miriam as a woman hurts her. He finally follows his mother's advice and ends his affair with Miriam. In hope of finding an outlet for his sexual passions, he turns to Clara. She satisfies his sensuality without bre...