“Lady Chatterley’s Lover”: The Symbolic Image of Flower in the Context of D. Lawrence’s Philosophical and Aesthetic Concept

Abstract

The paper explores the symbolic significance of flower imagery in D. Lawrence’s novel “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” in light of his philosophical and aesthetic views. The research analyzes the use of plant and flower imagery in the writer’s literary heritage. The symbolic semantics  of flower image in the context of the author’s worldview is explored. The paper aims to study features of the use of floral motifs in the novel to express the author’s philosophical and aesthetic views with an emphasis on his pantheistic concept. It is also noted that the floral symbolism acts as a tool for characterizing the main characters, a metaphorical means of reflecting their desire for existential completeness.

The study has confirmed that the concept of flower is an important semantic construct in the work, through which Lawrence represents his own worldview. Flower symbolizes the shortest and perfect manifestation of human existence being contrary to the mechanistic reality. The flower symbolism is embodied in the motifs of spring and love. Love, presented in the context of floral imagery, embodies a powerful force capable of connecting people both with each other and with the wider world of nature. Thus, Lawrence's flowers transcend their physicality, becoming a platform for the development of characters’ emotions and feelings, exerting a profound influence on their identities.