Kangaroo - D.H. Lawrence

Summary

Kangaroo by D.H. Lawrence follows Richard Lovat Somers, an English writer, and his German-born wife Harriet as they escape post-World War I Europe and settle in Australia, specifically in a small coastal town near Sydney. Seeking a new life and a sense of belonging, Somers finds himself caught between two opposing political factions: a fascist-leaning, nationalistic ex-servicemen's league led by the charismatic Benjamin Cooley, nicknamed "Kangaroo," and a socialist movement led by Struthers. Somers is drawn to Kangaroo's vision of a spiritual, intuitive leadership, but is ultimately repulsed by the underlying violence and a demand for absolute submission. Simultaneously, he finds the socialist cause intellectually appealing but emotionally barren. The novel deeply explores Somers's internal conflicts, his search for a profound connection beyond conventional relationships, and his disillusionment with political ideologies that fail to address the deeper human spirit. After witnessing a brutal general strike and the death of Kangaroo, Somers realizes that neither movement offers the truth he seeks, leading him and Harriet to depart from Australia, still searching for a place of authentic being.

Book Sections

Section 1: Arrival in Australia

Richard Lovat Somers and his wife Harriet arrive in Australia from Europe, seeking refuge and a new beginning after the trauma of World War I. They settle in the Sydney suburb of Coo-ee, hoping to find peace and a simpler existence. Richard, an intellectual and writer, is deeply reflective and often melancholic, constantly analyzing his surroundings and his own internal state. Harriet is more practical and grounded, though she shares Richard's desire for a fresh start. They are initially captivated by the vast, ancient, and somewhat alien landscape of Australia, which deeply affects Richard's psyche, evoking feelings of both wonder and unease. Their early days are spent observing the local life and trying to adapt to the Australian temperament, which Richard perceives as democratic yet somewhat lacking in deeper passion or intellectual vigor.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Richard Lovat Somers	English writer, intellectual, introspective, melancholic, observant, philosophical, restless.	Seeking peace, escape from post-WWI Europe, a new spiritual or societal truth, a sense of belonging, understanding human nature.
Harriet Somers	Richard's wife, practical, resilient, loyal, supportive, slightly more grounded.	Supporting Richard, finding a stable home, escaping European turmoil, building a new life.

Section 2: Encounters with Neighbors

Richard and Harriet begin to interact with their Australian neighbors, forming a few casual acquaintances. Among them are the Callcotts, a typical Australian family, and Jack Callcott, a friendly, forthright, and somewhat boisterous ex-soldier. Through these interactions, Richard starts to get a clearer picture of Australian society and its underlying currents. He observes the pervasive sense of democracy and a certain egalitarianism, but also a latent tension and a lack of the deep, old-world complexities he is used to. Richard is particularly struck by the easy camaraderie among the men and the sense of a collective, almost tribal, male bond. These early observations lay the groundwork for his later encounters with more organized political movements.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Jack Callcott	Ex-serviceman, friendly, somewhat simple, representative of the "Digger" spirit.	Living a conventional Australian life, enjoying camaraderie, perhaps seeking a sense of purpose from past military service.

Section 3: Introduction to "Kangaroo"

Richard is introduced to Benjamin Cooley, a prominent lawyer and a charismatic, portly figure known by the nickname "Kangaroo." Kangaroo is the leader of the "Diggers," a quasi-fascist organization of ex-servicemen who advocate for a strong, nationalistic, and almost mystical form of leadership based on intuitive power rather than democratic rule. Kangaroo is captivated by Richard's intellect and European background, and attempts to draw him into his movement. He proposes a society built on love, submission, and a powerful, almost god-like leader, with an emphasis on a masculine, tribal bond. Richard is intrigued by Kangaroo's vision of a spiritual and intuitive leadership, seeing in it a potential solution to the chaotic modern world, but he also feels a deep-seated resistance to the demand for absolute submission and the underlying, unspoken violence inherent in the movement.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Benjamin Cooley	Charismatic lawyer, portly, leader of the "Diggers," intense, visionary.	To establish a new form of societal leadership based on intuition, love, and masculine power, to create a unified Australian nation, to gain personal influence.

Section 4: The Socialist Counterpart

Around the same time, Richard also meets Struthers, a thoughtful and earnest socialist. Struthers represents the opposing political ideology in Australia, advocating for a more egalitarian society based on social justice and economic equality. He also attempts to recruit Richard to his cause, seeing him as a potential intellectual asset. Richard engages in long, intellectual discussions with Struthers, finding his ideas about social justice appealing on a rational level. However, Richard ultimately finds the socialist movement to be too purely intellectual, lacking the spiritual or emotional depth he craves. He feels that while socialism addresses material inequities, it fails to nourish the deeper human spirit or address the question of authentic being.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Struthers	Earnest socialist, intellectual, articulate, focused on social and economic justice.	To achieve a more equitable and just society through socialist principles, to recruit intellectuals to the cause.

Section 5: Somers's Internal Conflict

Richard Lovat Somers finds himself torn between Kangaroo's alluring but potentially dangerous vision of intuitive leadership and Struthers's intellectually sound but emotionally dry socialism. He cannot fully commit to either. Kangaroo represents a primal, almost pagan call to power and spiritual submission, which resonates with a part of Richard but ultimately repels his desire for individual freedom and his distrust of collective emotionalism. Struthers offers a clear rational path but feels incomplete, failing to touch the core of human existence that Richard constantly seeks. This period is marked by intense internal monologues and philosophical debates within Richard, reflecting D.H. Lawrence's own struggles with political ideologies of the era. He grapples with questions of leadership, love, power, and the individual's place in society.

Section 6: The General Strike

The political tensions in Australia escalate, leading to a general strike and widespread civil unrest. Richard and Harriet witness the increasing polarization and violence. The Diggers, under Kangaroo's leadership, become more assertive, engaging in confrontations with the socialist workers. During this period, Richard is forced to confront the violent reality behind Kangaroo's charismatic rhetoric. He sees the ugly side of mob mentality and the potential for brutality in both movements. The political conflict mirrors his internal turmoil, forcing him to witness the consequences of unbridled ideological fervor. The events are depicted with stark realism, highlighting the chaos and human cost of political extremism.

Section 7: Kangaroo's Death

The political violence culminates in a confrontation where Kangaroo is mortally wounded, possibly shot by a socialist sympathizer. Richard is present during Kangaroo's final moments and is profoundly affected by his death. This event serves as a tragic turning point. Kangaroo, despite his flaws, had offered Richard a glimpse into a powerful, albeit flawed, alternative to conventional society. His death brings home the futility and destructive nature of the political struggles Richard has observed. It underscores Richard's realization that neither the fascist nor the socialist path offers a true solution for humanity's deeper needs. The personal connection Richard had formed with Kangaroo, however fraught, adds a layer of grief and disillusionment to the political tragedy.

Section 8: Departure from Australia

Disillusioned by the political turmoil, the violence, and the ultimate failure of either movement to provide the spiritual truth he sought, Richard decides to leave Australia. He and Harriet pack their belongings, their dream of a peaceful new beginning shattered. Richard acknowledges the beauty and unique character of Australia but also recognizes that it has not provided the answers he was looking for. Their departure signifies a continuation of their restless search for a place and a way of life that can reconcile the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals. The novel concludes with them setting sail, still adrift in their quest for an authentic existence, suggesting that the quest for self-realization is an ongoing journey rather than a destination.

Literary Genre

• Philosophical Novel: It delves deeply into ideas about leadership, society, power, and the individual's place in the world.
• Semi-autobiographical Novel: Reflects D.H. Lawrence's own experiences, thoughts, and emotional state during his time in Australia.
• Modernist Novel: Features an emphasis on internal consciousness, psychological realism, and a critique of traditional societal structures.

Author Facts

• David Herbert Lawrence (1885–1930): An English novelist, poet, playwright, essayist, literary critic, and painter.
• Early Life: Born into a working-class family in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, England. His father was a coal miner, and his mother was a former schoolteacher. This background profoundly influenced his work, particularly his explorations of class, industrialism, and nature.
• Controversy and Censorship: Many of his works, including The Rainbow and Lady Chatterley's Lover, faced censorship and legal challenges due to their explicit sexual content and frank exploration of human sexuality.
• Travels: Lawrence was a keen traveler, seeking health (he suffered from tuberculosis) and new perspectives. He lived in various parts of the world, including Italy, Germany, Australia, New Mexico, and Mexico, experiences which often informed his novels (e.g., Kangaroo from Australia, The Plumed Serpent from Mexico).
• Themes: His work often explored themes of industrialization, sexuality, vitality, spontaneity, instinct, modernism, and the dehumanizing effects of modernity. He championed a return to more primitive, instinctual ways of being.

Morale

The central morale or theme of Kangaroo is the profound disillusionment with political ideologies and collective movements as a means to achieve genuine human fulfillment or societal truth. Richard Lovat Somers (and by extension, Lawrence himself) explores both fascist-leaning nationalism and democratic socialism, finding them both ultimately wanting. He concludes that neither offers a complete answer to the complexities of human existence because they either demand a submission that crushes the individual spirit or they fail to address the deeper, intuitive, and spiritual needs of humanity. The book advocates for the primacy of the individual's authentic self, personal freedom, and the search for true, uncorrupted connection over any externally imposed system or collective identity. It suggests that true leadership and societal harmony must stem from a deeper, more profound source than mere political power or intellectual constructs, a source that respects the inherent vitality and freedom of each person.

Curiosities

• Semi-Autobiographical: Kangaroo is one of D.H. Lawrence's most explicitly autobiographical novels. Richard Lovat Somers is a thinly veiled representation of Lawrence himself, and Harriet Somers is based on his wife, Frieda. The events and philosophical musings closely mirror Lawrence's own experiences and internal struggles during his three-month stay in Australia in 1922.
• "The Nightmare" Chapter: A significant portion of the book, particularly the chapter titled "The Nightmare," vividly describes Lawrence's traumatic experiences and anxieties during World War I in England, including his persecution by authorities due to his German wife and his pacifist stance. This section is often seen as a cathartic outpouring of his wartime trauma, explaining his desire to escape Europe.
• Political Context: The novel captures the intense political climate of post-WWI Australia, with the rise of various nationalist and socialist movements. Lawrence's portrayal of the "Diggers" and their leader "Kangaroo" (Benjamin Cooley) is believed to be inspired by real figures and groups in Australia at the time, particularly the RSL (Returned and Services League) and its more nationalistic factions, though the characters are fictionalized.
• Reception: Upon its publication in 1923, Kangaroo received a mixed reception. Some critics found it rambling and overly philosophical, while others praised its psychological depth and powerful insights into the human condition and political thought. It is often considered one of Lawrence's more challenging and less popular novels compared to works like Sons and Lovers or Lady Chatterley's Lover, but remains significant for its autobiographical insights and political commentary.
• Title Meaning: The title "Kangaroo" refers not only to the character Benjamin Cooley but also symbolically to Australia itself—a land that is both strange and powerful, with a unique, somewhat alien energy that fascinated and ultimately baffled Lawrence.