"Horse Dealer's Daughter" by D.H. Lawrence

My Reflections on the “Horse Dealer’s Daughter” by D.H. Lawrence



In the “Horse Dealer’s Daughter,” the story begins showing a family who had just lost the last of their family’s fortune. The three brothers and their sister Mabel seemed to be figuring out what they could do with their lives now. They remembered how full their home was when their successful horse dealer father was alive. Now, the house didn’t feel the same. The hustle and bustle of those days were now gone. No one came around like they did before when people were everywhere. This situation seemed to affect Mabel this most. At first, she appears to be in denial, but later it appears she may be depressed.


The story turns from focusing on the family to focusing on Mabel’s relationship with the doctor. When they first meet, the author hints that a relationship will be coming. The doctor seems intrigued by Mabel.


Mabel seems like she doesn’t want to leave the home that she remembered so fondly sharing with her deceased mother. Mabel appears as though she is sad, but accepting what must happen now with the impending move. This realization must send Mabel into a depression when she tries to commit suicide in the pond.


Thankfully, the doctor who was consumed by Mabel saved her. He seems to bring her back to life. She falls in love with the doctor who has saved her life in two ways. She now has someone to be with and something to do because the doctor wants to marry her. Even though the doctor viewed her as a patient, he begins to love her. The doctor can’t understand the draw he has to Mabel. The doctor helped Mabel make such a change in her life because she was headed down a very, dangerous path.