e two weeks after he was born, and lung problems would plague him all his life, eventually developing into repeated bouts of pneumonia which permanently weakened his lungs. His father, Arthur, was a typical example of a working-class miner: a huge, rough man, poorly educated, prone to great rage and possessing a love of ale; he must have seemed a fearful figure to his family. Lawrence's mother -- perhaps the greatest influence on his life -- came from different stock. Lydia Beardsall Lawrence came from a middle class family that had experienced financial strife. This decline in social status had humiliated Lydia's father. "His whole family felt this shame, and Lydia swore that her own children's success would vindicate her father. She continually strove to better the family's social standing "(Niven, DH Lawrence: The Writer and His Work 16). She pushed her children to succeed in school and in life. She herself opened a shop in their home, which was something rarely done by women of that time. Living in near poverty, his mother was determined that young David should not become a miner like his father. At that time, one of the few ways for a poor person to better himself was through education. Lawrence's mother Lydia recognized this, and encouraged it in young Lawrence. Although he excelled in his studies, the fact that he was seven years old when he started school (because of his health) hampered his social life. He had few friends in school and instead sought out the company of his younger sister, Ada.
             Though Lydia and Arthur married for love, their differences eventually led to constant unhappiness. The difference
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