| This dissertation examines Doris Lessing's science fiction series, Canopus in Argos: Archives, comprised of the following five novels: Shikasta (1979), The Marriages Between Zones Three, Four, and Five (1980), The Sirian Experiments (1980), The Making of the Representative for Planet 8 (1982), and The Sentimental Agents in the Volyen Empire (1983). Despite the early negative critical response to these novels, this study finds them to be a logical continuation and a worthwhile extension of Lessing's work.; In content, the theme of consciousness remains the primary concern of the Canopus novels. Like their predecessors, these novels show that the individual must transform his consciousness, and they go on to establish an integral connection between mind and ethics: it is the individual's moral obligation to elevate his consciousness on behalf of his society. Canopus, like Lessing's earlier fiction, considers the problems of relationships between men and women, between friends of the same sex, and between parents and children, as well as problems of education, of political systems, and of the distribution of wealth. A delightful dimension of Canopus, made possible largely by its science fiction form, is that it not only points these problems out, but also hypothesizes possible solutions to them.; In form as well as in content, Canopus extends the pattern set up by Lessing's earlier work. As always, Lessing is eclectic and creative in her use of literary forms. Lessing's methods for dealing with the more specific elements of her structural system also resemble her earlier methods: in narration, plot, characterization, and style, Lessing uses repetition and contrast to express both playfulness and thoughtfulness.; Undeniably, Canopus has flaws of conception and realization. In comparison to what the novels accomplish, however, these are minor failings. This study of Canopus in Argos: Archives finds that these five novels give pleasure and meaning abundantly, for Doris Lessing has written them with passionate virtuosity. |
