The Fox (short story)

"The Fox" is a short story by D. H. Lawrence published in 1923.Set in the Berkshire district of England during World War I, The Fox, like many of D. H. Lawrence’s other major works, treats the psychological relationships of three protagonists in a triangle mating-complex of love and hatred. Without the help of any male laborers, Nellie March and Jill Banford struggle to maintain a marginal livelihood at the Bailey Farm. A fox has raged through the poultry, and although the women—particularly the more nearly masculine Nellie—have tried to shoot the intruder, he seems always to elude traps or gunshot.

Plot introduction

The Fox is set during World War 1. Banford and March live on a farm together, because it does not look like they will marry. Although they are only in their late twenties, during this time to be single at that age is old, and also millions of men are dead due to the war. Banford is thin and frail, contrasting against her companion who is physically masculine, yet particular detail is paid to March's face that is feminine and expressive. The women are depicted as fearful of femininity and fertility, selling a heifer before it calves etc.The fox becomes a hindrance to Banford and March, but March finds she cannot hunt it, and rather, she becomes entranced by it. Shortly after this, Henry, a young man, comes to stay with the girls, and a link is established between the fox and Henry. This intruiging novella explores gender roles, sexuality and femininity, as do The Ladybird and The Captain's Doll.

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