1. Focus on Interiority and Subjectivity: Lawrence's novels and stories delve deeply into the inner lives of his characters, exploring their consciousness, emotions, and psychological states. He often uses stream-of-consciousness techniques, blurring the lines between the objective world and the subjective experience of his characters.
2. Rejection of Traditional Values and Morality: Lawrence challenged Victorian morality and social norms, especially those relating to sexuality. He explored themes of sexual liberation, the natural world, and the power of instinctual drives, often in a controversial way.
3. Exploration of Primitivism and the Natural World: Lawrence was fascinated by the primal and instinctual side of humanity, often contrasting it with the artificiality and constraints of modern society. He frequently placed his characters in natural settings, exploring the power and significance of the natural world.
4. Use of Symbolism and Myth: Lawrence employed symbolism and mythic imagery to convey deeper meanings and explore universal human experiences. For example, the snake in "The Snake" symbolizes both temptation and the primal force of nature.
5. Innovative Language and Style: Lawrence experimented with language and style, often using vivid imagery, unconventional sentence structures, and rhythmic prose. He created a distinctive voice that reflects his individual vision and perspective.
6. Breaking with Traditional Narrative Structures: Lawrence often deviated from traditional narrative structures, employing fragmented narratives, multiple perspectives, and non-linear timelines. This reflects a modernist desire to challenge conventional forms of storytelling.
However, Lawrence also differed from other modernist writers in some ways. He was deeply invested in the personal and the emotional, often focusing on the individual experience of his characters, which contrasts with the more abstract and impersonal nature of some other modernist writers.
In conclusion, D.H. Lawrence's work reflects a significant number of key modernist characteristics, including a focus on interiority, a rejection of traditional values, exploration of primitivism and the natural world, the use of symbolism, and experimentation with language and form. However, he also maintained his own unique style and voice, making him a complex and multifaceted figure in literary history.