Toward a re-evaluation of D.H. Lawrence's The Plumed Serpent

The Plumed Serpent has been faulted by many of its critics and a re-evaluation of it is needed in order to determine its proper place among Lawrence's novels, Lawrence has been accused of writing an improbable story, of writing fascist propaganda, and of failing to understand the Mexican people. A study of Mexican history covering the period of Lawrence's visits and of Aztec philosophy proves that he understood the Indian psyche and that he accurately portrayed the political and cultural movements of the time. Moreover, his decision to rewrite the work, which was prompted in part by the deteriorating state of his health, suggests that he assumed The Plumed Serpent would be his last novel. The differences between the first manuscript and the published work suggest that it was meant to stand as the final statement of Lawrence's mystical philosophy. A number of the themes found in the four earlier novels are repeated here, but show greater development. It is the most complete statement of his philosophy.