"Odour of Chrysanthemums" is a short story by D. H. Lawrence. It was written in the autumn of 1909 and, after revision, was published in the English Review in July 1911. Lawrence later included this tale in his collection of short stories entitled The Prussian Officer and Other Stories, which Duckworth, his London publisher, brought out on 26th November 1914. An American edition was produced by B W Huebsch in 1916.
Plot introduction
The story tells of a Nottinghamshire coalminer's wife, a young mother, waiting for her abusive husband Walter to come home. She blames his drinking for his absence. It later turns out he has been killed in a pit accident. Laying out his corpse, after it is brought home from the mine, makes her realise they never really knew each other. Upon the discovery that her husband has died, the protagonist, Elizabeth, is able to remain astonishingly calm and collected, especially in front of her children. In contrast, Walter's mother, who lives near the young couple and their children, becomes hysterical, highlighting her overbearing and somewhat irritating nature. The presence of pink chrysanthemums throughout the story represents Elizabeth's constant desire for some hint of beauty within her life. A visiting miner then knocks the vase of flowers over, symbolizing Elizabeth's loss of control over her life. Now that her husband, the provider for the family, has died, she has nowhere to turn. Despite the possibly financial issues that could ensue, it is indicated that Elizabeth feels the family might be better off because of Walter's abusive and angry nature.
Film
See mai article: Odour of Chrysanthemums (film) In 2002 the story was adapted into a short film by Director Mark Patridge, The film went on to win 1s prize at the Milan film festival.
Standard edition
- The Prussian Officer and Other Stories (1914), edited by John Worthen, Cambridge University Press, 1983, ISBN 0-521-24822-1
