Family Happiness In The Fifth Child: A Study Of Doris Lessing's Life Philosophy

Doris Lessing is one of the most significant writers in the 20th century. The legendary experience of Doris Lessing fulfills her writing aesthetics. And she has completely devoted herself to concentrate on social life. Her abundant creations highlight her unique discovery and understanding of life. Many critics have studied Lessing's works from post-colonialism, feminism, mysticism, historical, political, psychological aspect. However, there are fewer studies of Lessing's classic novel The Fifth Child from her life philosophy.This thesis focuses on the study of the significance and achievement of family happiness of Doris Lessing in The Fifth Child from her life philosophy. It consists of two parts. The first part studies the life philosophy of Doris Lessing and her view of family happiness. There are three aspects constructing Lessing's life philosophy, including the androgynous vision of Virginia Woolf, the human sciences of Dilthey and the"higher state of mind"of Sufism. Lessing approves of the ideal man-and-woman relationship, the undivided relationship between individuals and society and the mutual love between men and women. She agrees that the achievement of family happiness bases on individuals in search of"wholeness"with mutual love. The second part studies the achievement of family happiness in The Fifth Child, covering two aspects. The first aspect discusses the influence of society on the family, concerning about the impact of economic and social situation on the family of David and Harriet. It also contains the discussion of the symbol meaning of the Victorian house. The second aspect focuses on the corner stone of family happiness, involving the analysis of relationship among Harriet, David and their five children. This thesis is going to demonstrate how individuals can achieve their personal"wholeness"through The Fifth Child. And it is going to conclude that Lessing agrees there is undivided relationship between individuals and society. A happy family should be based on man and woman's mutual support and understanding towards each other guaranteed by mutual love. The achievement of family happiness is the process of individuals in search of personal"wholeness."...