St Mawr

St Mawr is a novella by D.H. Lawrence, published in 1925. The story revolves around Lou Witt, a young woman dissatisfied with her privileged but superficial life, who becomes captivated by a powerful and untamed stallion named St Mawr.

The novella explores themes of alienation, disillusionment with modern society, the destructive nature of industrial civilization, and the search for a more authentic connection to nature and the primal forces of life. Through Lou's experiences with St Mawr and her subsequent move to a remote ranch in the American Southwest, Lawrence critiques the perceived corruption and artificiality of European and American society, contrasting it with the raw, untamed power of the natural world.

St Mawr, the horse, is more than just an animal; he is a symbol of this raw power and authenticity. He represents a force that is both beautiful and dangerous, capable of inspiring awe and instilling fear. He serves as a catalyst for Lou's awakening and her decision to abandon her old life in search of something more meaningful.

The story also delves into the complexities of human relationships, particularly the relationships between men and women, and the impact of societal expectations on individual fulfillment. Lou's relationships with her mother and her husband are portrayed as being constrained by social conventions and a lack of genuine connection.

The setting of the American Southwest plays a significant role in the novella, providing a backdrop of vastness, isolation, and natural beauty that further emphasizes the contrast between the artificiality of modern life and the primal forces of nature. Lawrence's vivid descriptions of the landscape contribute to the overall sense of the story's themes.