ABSTRACT
As young men, neither William nor Paul demonstrates evidence of attaining emotional separation from their mother in their minds. They were oblivious to this reality and, additionally, never consciously ascribed malevolent domination to her. The origin of his predicament boils down to the actions of the unconscious assassin. The gradual process of emotional separation from mother constitutes psychological achievement leading to the child’s eventual recognition of herself as a person. Specifically, it is important to unravel the impact of emotional injury on adolescence and young adulthood. Sons and Lovers focuses on Paul’s life in adolescence and emerging adulthood. Emotional injury is revealed through Paul’s inner experience at this developmental stage. On a conscious level, he cannot bear to witness her pain. Paul’s interest in Clara does not threaten his mother. It also represents a failure at individuation. As an older woman who has long estranged herself from her husband, Clara is the spitting image of Gertrude Morel.
