The theme of social and political change also runs through her novels. She was concerned with the upheavals in society, like colonialism and post - colonialism. In works set in Africa, she shows the impact of colonial rule on both the colonizers and the colonized.
One of the main themes is the struggle for self - discovery. In many of her novels, characters are on a journey to find out who they really are, often in the face of social and cultural constraints. For example, in 'The Golden Notebook', the protagonist Anna Wulf is constantly exploring different aspects of her identity as a woman, a writer, and a political thinker.
One of the main themes is coming - of - age. The boy's attempt to swim through the tunnel is a symbol of his growth from a child to a more self - reliant individual. Another theme is perseverance. He faces many difficulties but keeps on trying until he achieves his goal.
I would also consider 'Briefing for a Descent into Hell' as one of her best. It's a rather unique novel that takes the reader on a mind - bending journey through the consciousness of a man who may be losing his grip on reality, and it shows Lessing's ability to experiment with different narrative styles.
Another great novel by her is 'The Grass Is Singing'. It delves into the relationship between a white farmer's wife and her black servant in Rhodesia, highlighting issues of race, class, and power.
The tunnel itself is a major symbol. It represents the boy's journey from childhood to adolescence. It's a physical and mental challenge that he must overcome to reach a new stage of his life.
The tunnel itself is a major symbol. It represents the boy's rite of passage, his journey from childhood to a more grown - up state. It's a physical and mental challenge he has to overcome.
A theme might also be the passage of time and its impact on the grandmothers and their families. As time passes, the grandmothers age, and the family structure changes. The stories could be about how they adapt to these changes, whether it's dealing with new family members or the loss of old ones.
Martha Quest in the 'Children of Violence' series is also significant. She is a young woman growing up in colonial Africa, experiencing the limitations and opportunities of that environment. Her journey from adolescence to adulthood is filled with self - discovery and the struggle against the norms of her society.
Doris Lessing's first novel was 'The Grass Is Singing'.
Some of the well - regarded Doris Lessing short stories include 'To Room Nineteen'. It's a powerful exploration of a woman's identity and her sense of entrapment within a marriage. The story delves deep into the protagonist's psyche as she tries to find a space of her own, both literally and metaphorically.
Doris Lessing's first novel was 'The Grass Is Singing'. It was published in 1950. This novel explored themes such as race relations, colonialism, and the power dynamics between different social classes in the context of Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). It was a significant work that marked the beginning of Lessing's long and influential writing career.