Sons and Lovers (1913) is the semi-autobiographical story of a young mans struggle for emotional independence. Trapped in a violent, loveless marriage to a man she considers socially inferior, Gertrude Morel devotes herself to her sons, William and Paul. When William leaves home and subsequently dies, she pours herself into the relationship with the younger son. Paul is torn between meeting Gertrudes demands and reconciling the conflicting feelings he has for two quite different lovers, Miriam and Clara.