The collection contains 35 short stories with distinct settings, characters, and also genres therefore can feel detached if analyzed individually. However, Lessing uses a writing style that creates uniformity in the narratives through the plots and characters. The narratives are different but revolve around the same subject matter just from different points of view. In terms of plot, they have unresolved endings but they are not pessimistic as they leave a sense of hopefulness regardless. Furthermore, the protagonists are mostly women who are coming to terms with certain aspects of their lives. As they grapple with their fears and contradictions while considering their motivations to take action.
The insights occur due to the trappings of marriage, the power dynamic between men and women, or the erosion of romantic love. Thus, the narratives share the predicaments that the characters face in the rift between action and inaction per their intentions. Several stories delve into domesticity and the power balance in the marriage that can lead to a sense of being trapped or strained. In “A Man and Two Women” Stella gets entangled in the marriage of her friends, Dorothy and Paul, as she contends with her own marital problems. The story showcases the strains in marital relationships that stem from resentment and disappointments. The stories also touch on the disillusionments that come from romantic love due to a myriad of reasons. “The Habit of Loving” probes into the delusions about love against the realities and as a result the characters learn more about themselves.
The power balance between the genders is showcased in “Wine” in which the depths of relationships are displayed through hostility. Furthermore, the balance is explored within the confines of marriage in “To Room Nineteen” after the husband confesses about an infidelity. Susan believes she is easy and calm about the truth but it gradually affects her mental health. The narrative also explores the desire for isolation as a form of escapism from the harsh reality of one’s mental state. Male protagonists and characters are present in the stories however their representation is far less complex than the female characters. Thus the author focuses on the women as they seek self-sufficiency and displaying the complexity of the female nature. It emphasizes the fate of women in various spheres in society regarding love, relationships, social strata, and personal freedom.
