Aaron's Rod

Aaron's Rod by D.H. Lawrence follows the story of Aaron Sisson a union official who is disillusioned with his life in the English coal mines and decides to leave his family behind to pursue his dream of becoming a professional musician in Italy. As he travels through post-World War I Europe Aaron meets a variety of characters who challenge his beliefs and push him to confront his inner turmoil. One of the people Aaron befriends is Rawdon Lilly a writer who becomes his mentor and introduces him to intellectual and artistic circles. While in Italy Aaron has an affair with an aristocratic woman and he becomes involved in political and philosophical debates about leadership and submission. Now What will Aaron do? The novel ultimately culminates in a tragic event that forces Aaron to confront the limitations of his dreams and the realities of his life. Through this journey Lawrence explores themes of individualism spirituality and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a changing world.