Women's Self-reconstruction In Space In Love, Again

As one of the most prominent contemporary female writers, Doris Lessing(1919-2013) has received enormous compliments from the literary world with her high enthusiasm and broad vision for literature. In her works, Lessing touches upon diversified themes, and the issue of women has been one on which she consistently focuses. The novel Love, Again, published in 1996, is one of Lessing's masterpieces in her later years. In this novel, Lessing remarkably depicts some marginalized women's loss of self and their reconstruction of self. Studies on this novel are mainly from perspectives of feminism, psychoanalysis, narrative techniques and so on, while this thesis attempts to interpret the female characters' self-reconstruction in the light of space theory.The space theory holds that space is not just a static existence, but a dynamic one suffused with geographical, social and cultural elements. Henri Lefebvre, the forerunner of the space theory, highlights the social character of space, arguing that space is a social product. Michel Foucault emphasizes the power element in space. Not accidentally, both of them indicate the call for a new space. Edward Soja extends this idea and puts forward his Thirdspace, a more open space filled with infinite possibilities. Lessing's description of space in Love, Again is similar to the ideas of space theory. Thus the space theory will facilitate the interpretation of female characters' self-reconstruction in Love, Again.Apart from the Introduction and Conclusion, this thesis consists of three chapters. The Introduction includes a brief introduction to Doris Lessing and her work Love, Again, previous studies on this novel, relevant theoretical background and the significance of this thesis. Chapter One focuses on female characters' depression in physical space. Some important space images, such as cities, streets, rooms and homes, constitute the main content of physical space. These ordinary space forms reflect characters' living state. Living in the depressing space, they feel very depressed about self. External depression gradually leads to internal changes. In Chapter Two, the female characters' confusion about self in mental space is expounded. This chapter not only presents female characters' emotional dilemma, but also illustrates the roots of their confusion. Because of her humble origin, Julie is abandoned by her two lovers. Sarah, a 65-year-old woman, is trapped in the whirlpool of love because of the internalization of social prejudice against aging women. Anne, Sarah's sister-in-law, is reduced to the subordinate position by her domineering husband. Anne's daughter Joyce indulges herself in degrading behaviors for the lack of family affection. Chapter Three mainly probes into female characters' final reconstruction of self in Thirdspace. After experiencing the depression and confusion, they gradually awaken to the realization that they should find a way out. Julie finally achieves freedom and respect in the space of nature and art, and establishes herself as an accomplished artist. Sarah regains her former calmness and grace in the space of reason and begins to embrace life with a peaceful heart. Anne leaves her husband resolutely and lives an independent life with her Joyce, who gains a rebirth and begins to live as a normal girl.The Conclusion summarizes the whole thesis. It concludes that Lessing's focus on the living state of female characters reflects her deep concern for the whole human beings. In modern society, human beings will inevitably encounter the sense of loss or confusion about self. And it is of great necessity to find a proper way to get out. Instead of giving way to the sense of loss in the depressing space, one can expand his space of self and try to create his own Thirdspace. In this way, one can better maintain and fulfill his self.