How did D.H. Lawrence’s experiences in Australia influence Kangaroo?

D.H. Lawrence wrote the novel Kangaroo in just six weeks during his 1922 visit to Australia. His experiences in the country served as a backdrop for a serious exploration of his own position at that time.1

In the novel, the protagonist and his wife relocate to Australia following World War I, where they encounter various forms of political activity. The protagonist finds himself courted by both socialists and a nationalist, quasi-fascist party, yet he is unable to embrace either movement.1

Furthermore, the book includes an autobiographical chapter detailing Lawrence’s own experiences in England during World War I. This section reveals that the persecution he faced for his antiwar sentiments had effectively destroyed his desire to participate actively in society. Ultimately, the novel reflects his disillusionment, as the protagonist decides to leave Australia for America.1