D.H. Lawrences use of Language in Odour of Chrysanthemums...

Write a study of the opening of D.H. Lawrence’s short story Odour of Chrysanthemums. Comment in detail on the way in which Lawrence’s use of language creates a particular atmosphere and raises certain expectations. The opening of ‘Odour of Chrysanthemums’ tells us about the domination of industry over nature. It presents nature at its worst and the dominance of technology, symbolized by the engine. The focus of the story is on the engine, the people, nature and its description and the mood of the story is gloomy, despondent. The struggle of the people parallels that of nature, which highlights the story. The themes revolving around the story are tension, struggles, dominance, disappointment and loss. At first glance, the†¦show more content†¦There is a description of a woman â€Å"trapped between the jolting black wagons and the hedge† which gives the impression that mankind is standing in between the struggle of industry and mature. The woman is unnamed to represent mankind and she cannot do anything to stop it. Industry maybe slow and ‘outdistanced’ by nature but it still keeps going and we stand between the battle of these two ‘insignificantly’ and little. There is also another unnamed woman in the story which will refer to as Elizabeth to avoid confusion along with a little boy whom is said to be his son. Elizabeth is pictured in the story as a hard-working, disciplined woman. She is portrayed as a strong and â€Å"handsome† woman rather attractive than beautiful. â€Å"Her smooth, black hair was parted exactly† shows that she is aware of her appearance. The story gives us the idea that she is without hopes or dreams, being let down so many times. â€Å"Her mouth closed with disillusionment† tell us that she has given up, but someone who had once hoped and dreamed and her smelling the flowers is an act of remembrance; contemplating and reliving the happier times and she puts them in her apron as a charm and talisman. And her son, whom is quite an emotional character, is shown as someone with a temper, having replied his â€Å"stern† mother with a â€Å"sulky voice†. â€Å"He stood quite still, defiantly† shows that he is not the type of person to follow orders and is uncommunicative, being