A Sick Collier by D.H. Lawrence
"A Sick Collier" by D.H. Lawrence is a novella that explores the themes of illness, isolation, and the human condition. The story follows a young collier named Willie who becomes sick with tuberculosis and is forced to leave his job and live in isolation. Despite his illness, Willie remains determined to continue working and provide for his family, even if it means sacrificing his own health. The novella is notable for its frank and realistic portrayal of illness and the impact it has on an individual's life. Lawrence's writing is direct and unflinching, providing a raw and unromanticized view of the human experience. Through Willie's struggles, the novella explores themes of suffering, resilience, and the importance of human connection in times of crisis. Overall, "A Sick Collier" is a powerful and moving work that offers a poignant reflection on the fragility of life and the importance of empathy and compassion in the face of adversity.
By D.H. Lawrence · First published 1928 · Genre: Short Story, Realism, Social Commentary · 3,172 words
First lines
She was too good for him, everybody said. Yet still she did not regret marrying him. He had come courting her when he was only nineteen, and she twenty. He was in build what they call a tight little fellow; short, dark, with a warm colour, and that upright set of the head and chest, that flaunting way in movement recalling a mating bird, which denotes a body taut and compact with life. Being a good worker he had earned decent money in the mine, and having a good home had saved a little.
What this Textopian page supports
A Sick Collier is listed on Textopian as a short story by D.H. Lawrence, dated 1928 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: D.H. Lawrence
- Date: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Story, Realism, Social Commentary
- Length: 3,172 words
- Structure: 1 section, 107 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Sick Collier by D.H. Lawrence
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Sick Collier?
- How does this short story by D.H. Lawrence fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Short Story first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Colliers Friday Night by D. H. Lawrence
- Odour Of Chrysanthemums by D. H. Lawrence
- An Arrow In A Sunbeam by Sarah Orne Jewett
- The Shanty by Edward Dyson
- John Sanders Laborer by Francis Hopkinson Smith
- The Quest Of Mr Teaby by Sarah Orne Jewett
Genres
- Short Story — The text is one part of a larger collection and adheres to the typical characteristics of a short story: it focuses on a single incident, a small number of characters, and covers a short period of time.
- Realism — The book vividly portrays the life of a coal miner in a realistic and practical manner, focusing on the hardships and daily life of the working class, a significant theme in realism literature.
- Social Commentary — D.H. Lawrence uses this short story to comment on the conditions of the working class, particularly in the coal mining industry, and the issues associated with class struggle.
Tags
industrial · mining · health · sickness · working class · struggle · family · relationships · grief · social issues · poverty · human condition