Lawrence and Frieda live in internal exile in Cornwall
Poet involved
What happened
During World War I, Lawrence and Frieda are forced to live in internal exile in Cornwall, where locals are suspicious of a controversial writer living with a German wife so close to the coast. They endure official harassment and censorship while struggling with limited resources and Lawrence's frail health.
Literary impact
The experience of persecution and isolation in Cornwall deepened Lawrence's sense of alienation from English society and fueled his critiques of nationalism and modern civilization. This period also provided the setting and psychological atmosphere for Women in Love, which he wrote during these years, exploring themes of conflict, power, and human connection.
Source: University of Nottingham
