Divorce in Doris Lessing : Can Separation Make Women Free?

Abstract

Unlike most of the noteworthy feminist authors, Doris Lessing has moved away from the traditional way of feminist claim against the sexist society. She is different from the other feminists as she goes deep into the crisis of women and reflects realistically on their problematic position in the society. Her idea of “free women” is itself paradoxical. Divorce can make a woman free from the torture and exploitation of unsuccessful married life; however, Lessing observes that divorce results in insecurity, isolation and sexual dissatisfaction. This article attempts to discuss Lessing‟s concept of divorce and its impact on women, her idea of sisterhood and above all, the relationship between man and woman. It also aims at making a parallel between Lessing‟s views of divorce with Quranic view of divorce. In conclusion it establishes that the relation between women and men is undeniable as women are dependent on men for physical satisfaction and economic security; and that women‟s dependency on other women for mental support is a reality in the male dominated society