Sons and Lovers

by

D. H. Lawrence

Mr. Pappleworth Character Analysis

Mr. Pappleworth is Paul’s superior at Jordan’s. He is a clerk and a friendly, sociable man. At first, Mr. Pappleworth tries to assert his superiority over Paul by shouting at the factory girls in his presence, but Paul can tell he doesn’t mean it and the girls even tease him about it. After this, Mr. Pappleworth does his best to make Paul welcome and treats him as an equal at work. When he leaves the factory, Paul is promoted to Mr. Pappleworth’s position.
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Mr. Pappleworth Character Timeline in Sons and Lovers

The timeline below shows where the character Mr. Pappleworth appears in Sons and Lovers. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 5
Family, Psychology, and the Oedipus Complex Theme Icon
Women’s Work and Women’s Rights Theme Icon
 Nature and Industrialism Theme Icon
...“Spiral” and sends him to “fetch the letters.” When Paul has done this, his boss, Mr. Pappleworth , arrives. (full context)
Women’s Work and Women’s Rights Theme Icon
 Nature and Industrialism Theme Icon
Mr. Pappleworth is a youngish man who is older than Paul and quite friendly. He gives Paul... (full context)
 Nature and Industrialism Theme Icon
In the “spiral” room, the factory girls stand together talking. Mr. Pappleworth is curt with the girls and tells them to start work on the orders. He... (full context)
Women’s Work and Women’s Rights Theme Icon
Later on, a girl brings Mr. Pappleworth and Paul a heap of newly made garments and, after examining them, Mr. Pappleworth gathers... (full context)
 Nature and Industrialism Theme Icon
Paul finds the rest of the workday long but not unpleasant. Mr. Pappleworth goes home for lunch and, when he returns, he chats pleasantly with Paul. The workers... (full context)
 Nature and Industrialism Theme Icon
Paul grows to like Mr. Pappleworth and gets on well with the women who work on the machines. He eats lunch... (full context)
Chapter 8
Family, Psychology, and the Oedipus Complex Theme Icon
...him coarse and unpleasant. Baxter tried to threaten Paul when he saw him staring, but Mr. Pappleworth defended him. Ever since then, Dawes has hated Paul and Paul equally despises him. Clara... (full context)
Christianity, Propriety, and Physicality Theme Icon
 Nature and Industrialism Theme Icon
At work, Paul is successful and well liked; he is promoted when Mr. Pappleworth leaves. Annie has moved back home and is engaged. On Friday nights, the miners divide... (full context)