КОНФЛІКТ ЧУТТЄВОГО І РАЦІОНАЛЬНОГО В РОМАНІ ДЕВІДА ЛОУРЕНСА «ЗАКОХАНІ ЖІНКИ»

The paper highlights the peculiarities of artistic implementation of the conflict between the sensual and rational in D. H. Lawrence's novel “Women in Love”. The attention is paid to the characters of Rupert Birkin and Gerald Crich, who are the spokesmen of opposite concepts. If the former is an apologist of spontaneous sensuality in the process of cognition of the world, the latter adheres to a rationalist approach to life, subject to the norms of social mechanism. As for Birkin, he embodies Lawrence’s ideal of a new man, free in his desires and able to resist the conventions of the outside world. Instead, Crich is guided by social norms. Strict observance of public order gives him confidence, provides peace and sobriety of thinking. And even love to Gudrun does not become an impetus for the recreation of Gerald’s soul. His relationship with the woman is not transformed into a source of communication, which causes the man to lose his authenticity and inner freedom. The dominance of will and reason leads to the final destruction of the hero's personality. His spiritual death is symbolically conveyed in the final scene of his tragic fall from the mountain slope.