Science-fictionalization of trauma in the works of Doris Lessing Cover Image

Science-fictionalization of trauma in the works of Doris Lessing
Science-fictionalization of trauma in the works of Doris Lessing

Author(s): Paulina Kamińska
Subject(s): Studies of Literature
Published by: Uniwersytet Opolski
Keywords: science fiction; traumatic experience; working through

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this paper is to show Doris Lessing’s literary endeavors into the world of science fiction from the perspective of trauma theory. Lessing’s preoccupation with modern reality is clearly visible in even the most experimental of her later narratives. Trauma theory finds justification for setting narratives in another dimension: science fiction mode allows for multiple perspectives on the same events, as well as a faithful representation of psychological states experienced by the protagonists. This paper traces science-fictional developments in Lessing’s fiction from the watershed Four-Gated City to the Canopus in Argos: Archives series: Lessing’s first literary adventure fully set in a space-fictional dimension.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 84-96
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: English