The way events are organized in a story is important in conveying a message to the reader. In DH Lawrence's short story, The Horse Dealer's Daughter, the plot of key events in Mabel's life contributes to the overall depressive effect and meaning. First, Mabel's mother dies, causing her to experience extreme depression. Then, this depression leads her to seek suicide. Her quest for suicide unites her with Dr. Fergusson, who in turn ultimately becomes her lover. This story explores Mabel's struggle to find an identity for herself that is not defined by her mother, to regain purpose and meaning in life. The story shows how strong the emotion of love is and how influential it can be in the lives of those suffering from depression. Mabel had a strong love for her mother which is evident throughout the story. Lawrence describes Mabel's way of life as: "She lived in the memory of her mother, who had died when she was fourteen, and whom she had loved." (Lawrence, 363) Mabel let her mother be a strong influence in her life, even after her death. His mother was the only person he had a strong bond with. Mabel continued to live in his memory to an unhealthy extent. After her mother's death, she feels isolated within her own family. Having nothing in common with his three brothers, he has no one to identify with. Mabel's brothers talk to her, but are harsh and indifferent towards her. One brother goes so far as to call her "the sulkiest bitch that ever set foot." (Lawrence, 363) "But Mabel didn't notice him. They had been talking to her and around her for so many years, that she barely heard them." (Lawrence, 361) Sees no point in living when she has no one to identify with in her family......middle of paper......8) Again, reinforcing the idea that Mabel doesn't know like living a life alone and death is the only option to not be loved. DH Lawrence's short story, The Horse Dealer's Daughter, shows how strong the emotion of love is and how influential it can be in the lives of those suffering from depression. . The plot of key events in Mabel's life contributes to the melancholy effect of the story. To start, Mabel's mother dies, causing her to experience extreme depression. In turn, her depression leads her to seek escape by drowning in a pond. Her suicide attempt unites her with Dr. Fergusson, who eventually becomes her husband. This story explores Mabel's struggle to overcome her tragic flaw of being unable to find an identity that isn't defined by her mother. The meaning of the story shows how strong the influence of love is and how love can save you from despair.