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Similes
Situational Irony
Explanation and Analysis—Inconstant Constance:
In choosing to name his female protagonist “Constance,” Lawrence introduces an element of situational irony into the novel that grows in complexity as the book progresses.
The name "Constance" is derived from the Latin "constantia," meaning “steadfastness.” Constance is not one of the official “virtue names” of the Victorian Period like "Hope," "Faith," or "Charity." However, like these names, it points to the idea that a child named "Constance" should embody steadiness, consistency, and loyalty. This immediately sets up an expectation for Connie's character. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, Lawrence’s reader discovers that Constance is not “constant” in almost anything, from her marriage to her views on sexuality, morality, and class.
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Chapter 14
Explanation and Analysis—No Balls:
As he explains his perception of Clifford to Connie, Mellors uses the idiom "no balls" to describe Lord Chatterley’s perceived lack of manliness. This leads to a funny exchange filled with situational irony. When Connie asks him to explain the “balls” comment, Mellors says:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“You say a man’s got no brain, when he’s a fool: and no heart, when he’s mean; and no stomach when he’s a funker. And when he’s got none of that spunky wild bit of a man in him, you say he’s got no balls. When he’s a sort of tame.”
She pondered this.
“And is Clifford tame?” she asked.
“Tame, and nasty with it: like most such fellows, when you come up against ’em.”
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