Women in Love is the story of two couples living in pre-World War I Britain. Gudrun Brangwen experiences a tumultuous relationship with the cruel and domineering Gerald Crich, a manufacturer and factory owner. Her sister, Ursula, comes to love a scholar named Rupert Birkin whose liberalism has resulted in his alienation from high society. Rupert and Gerald are also extremely attracted to one another. The two relationships are contrasted and used to explore English society.