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A Feminist Perspective of Doris Lessing’s the Golden Notebook

Author: LiuHe
Tutor: YuKaiYan
School: Northeastern University
Course: English Language and Literature
Keywords: Doris Lessing Feminism Free Women
CLC:
Type: Master's thesis
Year: 2009
Downloads: 169
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Abstract


Doris Lessing is considered as one of the most prominent novelists in the 20th century. She has authored many books. In her fictions, she portrays complex, intelligent and questioning women who are not content with the status quo, and who are forever rebelling against the established order. The Golden Notebook, which is considered as "the bible of the Women’s Movement", is the most famous work written by her. The novel has attracted increasing critical attention and been studied under critical approaches as a classical literary work that delineates the growth and the liberation of women because of its profound concerns.This dissertation attempts to analyze the novel from a feminist perspective. In the first chapter, an introduction is given to Doris Lessing, her literary works, The Golden Notebook, Doris Lessing’s feminist literary practice, feminist comments on The Golden Notebook and purpose of my writing. In the second chapter, the historical development of feminism, phrases of its development, and a brief survey of feminist criticism are written. In the third chapter, the structure and narrative style are studied. In the thesis, the structure and narrative strategies obviously adopted in the novel are studied, such as multiple narrative levels, non-linear narrative and unconventional narrative language. The novel destabilizes the thoughts with these innovative narrative methods. In the fourth chapter, a feminist interpretation of The Golden Notebook is given. In this chapter, five main sections are written to interpret The Golden Notebook. The first section is to depict women’s economic condition in the protagonists’living time. Here a comparison is made between the economic condition of the free women and of traditional women. Thus we know that economic foundation is a key point to women’s freedom. The second section is the description of women’s oppression and relationship with men. Women suffer a lot from the spiritual aspect and through their touch with men, their relationship with men gradually changed, and some of them try their best to have the freedom from the bondage of marriage. The third section is women’s outlet from disillusioned with the party. At first, the protagonists are in favor of the Communist Party, but as they know much of it, they realize what it really is and disillusioned with it. In the fourth section, Anna’s pursuit in her writing is written. Anna is a writer, but she has a writing block. Here Anna’s writing condition and her writing is described vividly. The last section is free women’s searching for self. Though they have met many difficulties and in plights, the protagonists still keep on searching for searching for self. After the above analysis comes the conclusion chapter, a brief description of the thesis is written here.Doris Lessing has her life served as a spoke woman for women’s rights and her works have started women thinking and moving towards contemplation on their situation. The Golden Notebook provides a vivid description of women’s experience, which help to change the life of many readers.

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