Describe Sons and Lovers as a social novel.

Lawrence's novel explores the lives of those occupying the lower class during 19th Century England. The initial chapters of Sons and Lovers are considered by many to be autobiographical, and Lawrence definitely experienced similar circumstances during his won childhood.

Mrs Morel depicts a budding feminist. Marriages of the time were rarely based on love, and a woman's job was to be submissive to her husband. Non-compliance was considered reason for abuse. Mr. Morel's illness enables his wife to break free of this cycle. She joins a co-op and becomes involved in the development of community projects, but sorrowfully is never able to break free of a housewife's constraints.