1. Setting: The novel is set in the mining town of Eastwood in Nottinghamshire, England, which is where Lawrence himself grew up. The descriptions of the town, its social structure, and the struggles faced by the working class are drawn from Lawrence's personal observations.
2. Characters: The central character of Paul Morel, a sensitive young man who struggles to find fulfillment in life and love, is believed to be based on Lawrence himself. Paul's relationship with his mother, Gertrude Morel, is a focal point of the novel. This dynamic is heavily influenced by Lawrence's complex relationship with his own mother.
3. Themes: Lawrence explores themes of love, sexuality, class struggle, and the tension between personal desire and societal expectations. These themes were deeply personal to Lawrence and reflected his own introspections and life experiences.
4. Character Names: Several of the characters in "Sons and Lovers" share the names of Lawrence's family members. For example, Paul's father is named Walter, like Lawrence's father, and his mother's maiden name is "Coppard," which is the same as Lawrence's mother's maiden name.
5. Autobiographical Incidents: Certain incidents in the novel, such as Paul's injury at the coal mine and Miriam's (Clara's) illness, are believed to have parallels in Lawrence's life.
6. Freudian Influence: Lawrence was influenced by Sigmund Freud's theories of psychoanalysis, and some of the character dynamics and psychological insights in "Sons and Lovers" reflect Freudian concepts. This aspect might be influenced by Lawrence's personal explorations of his own inner conflicts.
However, it's essential to note that while "Sons and Lovers" contains autobiographical elements, it is not a straightforward autobiography. Lawrence fictionalized and altered many details to create a work of fiction rather than a factual account of his life.