"The Trespasser" is a short novel by D.H. Lawrence. It is his
second novel, one of his earlier and more
unknown books.
The novel revolves around the tragic love affair of Helen Corke and her ex-violin teacher. Corke was a
friend of D.H. Lawrence. The story is revealed from the diaries of Helen Corke. At first, D.H. Lawrence urged her to write it, but later on, she consented for Lawrence to write it himself.
The plot follows Helena Verden's affair with her ex-violin teacher, Siegmund MacNair. Although their affair is largely non-sexual, it is intense and intimate.
MacNair could not bring himself to leave his wife and children for Helen, and neither can the latter give herself to him completely. In the end, he commits suicide.
After a year of his death, Helen turns to Cecil Byrne, her would-be suitor, for comfort.