A Note on the Neglected Compositional Motivation of D. H. Lawrence’s ‘Hymns in a Man’s Life’

In the autobiographical essay ‘Hymns in a Man’s Life’ (1928), D. H. Lawrence reflects on the profound impact that Nonconformist hymns had during his formative years. Lawrence ardently articulates his appreciation for these hymns and the religious emotions they evoke, yet he simultaneously delivers a rigorous criticism of the Christian doctrines he perceives as distorting religious education. Scholars frequently utilize this essay to explore the development of Lawrence’s religious, literary, and philosophical perspectives. However, the complex motivations underpinning its composition, setting it apart from other polemical essays written in the last three years of his life (1928–30)—which were written either spontaneously or in response to newspaper and magazine editors’ contribution requests—have been largely overlooked in scholarly discourse. This oversight primarily stems from existing scholarship accepting Lawrence’s assertion that the essay was composed for his friend Hans Carossa, thus neglecting a thorough examination of its compositional context and other potential influences.1