Relationships

The novel takes an interesting approach to the various romantic relationships of the characters. There is an intimacy between Birkin and Gerald which, despite their disapproval of romantic relationships between two men, shows strongly; Gerald and Birkin often observe each other and take pleasure in talking to each other. Contrasting the good and all-but-romantic relationship between the two men are many of the heterosexual relationships. Most of the heterosexual relationships so far are shown in a negative light; Birkin and Hermione are in an unhappy marriage, and the connection between Gerald and Pussum is short-lived, impersonal, and selfish on both their ends. It will be interesting to see where the book takes the relationships between Birkin, Gerald, Ursula, and Gedrun.