In the novel "Sons and Lovers" by D.H. Lawrence, the Oedipus complex plays a significant role in the relationships and psychological development of the characters. The Oedipus complex refers to a child's feelings of desire for their opposite-sex parent and jealousy and rivalry with their same-sex parent.
One of the most prominent examples of the Oedipus complex in "Sons and Lovers" is the relationship between the protagonist, Paul Morel, and his mother, Gertrude. Paul is deeply attached to his mother and has a strong desire for her affection and attention. He becomes jealous and resentful of his father, Walter, who he sees as a rival for his mother's love. This is evident in the quote, "He hated his father for being there, for having the right to be there."
The Oedipus complex also plays a role in Paul's relationships with women. Paul's feelings for his mother are projected onto the women he becomes involved with, leading to complicated and tumultuous relationships. He is drawn to women who remind him of his mother, but at the same time, he is unable to fully commit to them due to his unresolved feelings for his mother. This is seen in the quote, "He wanted a woman to be his mother, to be fond of him, to make much of him. But he could not bear the thought of being completely possessed by any woman."
The Oedipus complex is not just limited to Paul, but also affects the relationships between other characters in the novel. For example, Paul's sister, Annie, is also deeply attached to their mother and struggles with feelings of jealousy and rivalry towards her brother. This is seen in the quote, "Annie was jealous of Paul, jealous of the way in which their mother seemed to cling to him."
Overall, the Oedipus complex plays a significant role in the relationships and psychological development of the characters in "Sons and Lovers." It is a key theme in the novel, and the characters' struggles with the complex provide insight into their motivations and conflicts.
