A Metaphor Of Unyielding Pursuing Spirit Of Mankind

Mara and Dann written by Doris Lessing, like many other novels of hers, is alsoa comprehensive one with many analytical possibilities. The story is set in a physicaland spiritual wasteland and the whole story is a remarkable odyssey of a girl and herbrother. By employing the desolate and barren setting, Lessing intends to sendwarning signals to human beings and also give prominence to the spirit of them.When the environment they live in have become extremely terrible or have returnedto its basics, human spirit can manifest itself more clearly.The whole novel is a warning system. Acknowledged as a writer with giftedforesight, Lessing is keen on perceiving problems and can skillfully weave thesewarning signals into various metaphors. While pointing out problems, Lessing alwayscherishes a hope and the hope in this novel is the indefatigable and uncompromisingpursuing spirit that propels people to forge ahead to a better place. This is exactlyLessing’s writing motive, because she once says that she writes this novel because sheis astounded by the shinning spirit of mankind exhibited when everything is in ruins.This thesis consists of seven parts including an introduction, five chapters and aconclusion. The first part contains a general introduction to Doris Lessing and herwork Mara and Dann, and a literature review. The first chapter deals with the centraltheme of the novel as a whole from the perspective of setting, plot and character.Then, the following four chapters elaborate on four sub-themes of the novel. Fourgroups of relationships which Lessing is concerned about are analyzed and most ofthem are presented following similar patterns, that is, identifying problems and thenformulating ways of balancing them. In each of them, Lessing’s pursuing spirit playsan essential role. Finally, the conclusive part restates Lessing’s writing styles andmotives, which offers a wider backdrop for understanding the pursuing spirit.