The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between Gerald and Birkin in two different aspects. It will look at their relationship as one forbidden by society, thus resulting in a secret relationship led by repressed desires, and it will also take a look at the idea that Birkin’s love for Gerald is fuelled by his path on the river of dissolution. Gerald and Birkin’s relationship is doomed from the beginning due to society’s restrictions on homosexuality. Their love cannot be fulfilled sexually due to the restrictions of society at the time. We see Gerald and Birkin conforming to society as each weds a woman; however it is clear that heterosexual love is not enough for them. Their love is one of a power struggle and of a struggle to unite two completely different beings, as Gerald and Birkin are polar opposites of each other. However, throughout the novel we get a glimpse into Gerald and Birkin’s repressed desire and lust for one another, within society’s…show more content… And then they had a real struggle. They seemed to drive their white flesh into a oneness" (Lawrence 234). Just as heterosexual love is a united passion between individuals, Birkin and Gerald are too united into a ‘oneness’. We see Gerald and Birkin’s repressed lust for each other as Birkin tells Gerald they must be physically intimate, as they are already intimate in spirit and mentality, and Gerald agrees thinking it “rather wonderful to me” (Lawrence). However, the men can only perform a socially acceptable wrestling match in place of their sexual lust for each other. Society’s restrictions are holding them back. It is clear in this chapter that Birkin and Gerald’s relationship is one of secrecy. They are forced to love in confinement, away from society. They can never fulfil their lust or show their love for one another due to society’s restrictions. Mention
