On the surface, Doris Lessing’s protagonist had a perfect life. “Happily” married, financially secure, big house, healthy well-adjusted children, home help; what more could a woman want? The story is a product of its time (the early 1960s). Susan’s anguish about losing her independence and lack of fulfillment in life leads to depression, mental decline, and temporary escape from her demons in Room 19 of a seedy hotel. Too afraid of being ridiculed to confide in her husband and ask for help, she sees only one way out. Themes: loss of autonomy/identity, unsatisfying marriage, depression, communication breakdown, isolation, suicide. More…
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A Mild Attack of Locusts
Doris Lessing’s story about a British farming family in post-World War 2 Africa contrasts the richness and beauty of the land with the destructive power of nature. The major theme is survival: for the locust swarm, through instinct and sheer weight of numbers; for the farmers, through planning, preparation, manpower and, when these fail, being prepared to start over. Other themes: helplessness, devastation, the ongoing cycles of struggle against nature, perseverance. The message of the story lies in the many references to being finished/ruined. This is never certain unless one gives up hope and stops fighting to survive. More…
No Witchcraft for Sale
Doris Lessing’s years growing up on a Rhodesian farm add credibility to this story about a condescending white family’s relationship with their native cook who, it seems, doubles as a local medicine man. The closeness that exists between the cook and their young son evaporates as the boy ages and becomes aware of racial issues, but is rekindled when the cook uses “bush medicine” to save the boy’s eyesight. The parents’ gratitude turns to anger as the cook refuses to reveal the secret of the cure to a greedy scientist. Themes: racism, ancient wisdom, altruism vs. commercial exploitation, cultural conflict. More…
Debbie and Julie
This poignant story from Doris Lessing deals with the experiences of Julie, a runaway teen in her last year of high school. ‘Accidentally’ impregnated, she runs away from home out of fear of her father’s reaction. She flees to London where Debbie, a compassionate call girl, takes her in and acts as a protector and mother figure. Unfortunately, Debbie is away when the baby comes. Julie carries out a grotesque self-birthing plan and must face the difficult choice regarding the baby’s future alone. Themes include parent-child relationships, innocence vs worldliness, choices and consequences, compassion, desperation, abandonment and regret. More…
Through the Tunnel
This coming of age story by Doris Lessing takes place as a British mother and her eleven-year-old son holiday at a foreign seaside resort. While the mother enjoys their regular “safe” swimming beach, she allows the boy to explore a nearby rocky cove. There, he watches local teenage boys as they dive from rocks and appear to navigate their way through a long underwater tunnel. Determined to match the dangerous feat and prove he is no longer a child, he practices for several days before trying himself. Themes include identity, isolation, independence, determination, courage, self-discipline and self-control. More…