The New Shifts Of Feminist Perspectives In Doris Lessing's Later Work The Diaries Of Jane Somers

Doris Lessing is one of the most significant women writers in the contemporary British literature. Despite her multi-genred themes and her prolific output, Lessing has long been concerned about the problems on female self-fulfillments. The Diaries of Jane Somers is Lessing's first work after she has reclaimed the voice of realism in her later phase of writing career. Thus it plays a crucial role as the link between the preceding and the following. This thesis tends to analyze this novel from some recent feminist perspectives with a view to facilitate comprehension of the growth of Lessing's feminist consciousness.This thesis is made up of five chapters. Chapter One is an introduction that states the purpose and significance of the research. Chapter Two is an exploration of career's effect on women's liberation. Lessing takes the view that career fails to liberate women from male domination although it helps women gain some degree of autonomy. Gender discrimination against women still exists in the working places. Chapter Three examines the intimate mother-daughter relationship between Jane and Mandie. It reveals that Lessing reemphasizes the positive aspects of motherhood and the importance of close mother-daughter bonding for women's self-realization. Chapter Four explores Lessing's evolution on the issue of male-female relationship. She articulates that women cannot achieve their liberation without men's involvements. It entails male-female alliances to build a harmonious society where both sexes are mutually respected. Chapter Five is a conclusion. The Diaries of Jane Somers manifests that Lessing speaks in favor of the current of feminist thoughts. Her insightful perspectives east much light on feminist movements.