RELATIONS OF DOMINANCE AND EQUALITY IN D. H. LAWRENCE

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because he is no 'clone', no slave of hers. He has a mind of
his own and he has the right to think by himself. Birkin tells
her that
'... I want every man to have his share in this
world's goods, so that I am rid of his
importunity, so that I can tell him: 'Now you've
got what you want-you've got your fair share of
the world's gear. Now, you one mouthed fool,
mind yourself and don't obstruct me* (p.97).
Furthermore, the way Hermione receives the 'blow' proves that
Birkin has touched the right point in her mind: "He could feel
violent waves of hatred and loathing of all he said, coming out
of her" (ibid).
The way she defends herself against Birkin is
in terms of her apparent deafness.
However, everything he says
strikes into her sick mind like a ferocious bullet.
Birkin's criticisms, however rash they seem, are soon
regretted: when he comes to himself he feels sorry and wants to
come to good terms with Hermione.
And it now that the lapis
lazuli episode takes place.
Eirkin goes to Hermione's boudoir
to apologize, but seeing that she is busy writing letters he
sits down pretending to read a thick volume of Thucydides.
Hermione who feels as if terrified by Birkin's previous attacks
on her ideas, seems to be entering into a mood of electric hate,
contempt and distaste for the man.
She must destroy him somehow
because she feels he no longer wants to be swallowed by her.
It
is as if his presence were a kind of drug hallucinating her up
to the point of complete destruction.
If she does not destroy
him he will destroy her.
As she cannot cope with his dissent,
with his separate mind, she must punish him.
Thus, with a
morbid feeling of pleasure she takes the ball of lapis lazuli
and, with her left hand, tries to smash Birkin*s head.
Birkin's
agility prevents his death: