Essay Questions

Which major theme recurs in all the stories in Doris Lessing?

Disenchantment emerges as the main theme because it resurfaces in every story told by Doris. Most of the characters in these stories are disappointed by political romanticism because politicians are preaching water but they drink wine. The reality is that the political idealism presented is not practiced and this is a big disenchantment to the characters. The reader realizes that there is a high level of disappointment among characters even in those stories that are not related to politics. The recurrence of disenchantment throughout the stories implies that it is the main theme.

How is the title ‘The Nuisance’ symbolically used by the author?

The main character in this story is the black man's wife who is employed by a white colonial family. Later, the black husband murders his wife and disposes of her body in a well. The husband claims that he has had enough of his wife's nuisance but the reader later realizes that it is a misunderstanding. Ironically, the white colonial boss does nothing after hearing that his employee has been murdered. The boss only looks at his economic gains and assumes that the black wife is insignificant. Therefore, 'The Nuisance' symbolizes insignificance of the powerless people to the powerful people in society.

Why are most of the characters in the Doris Lessing: Stories unlucky in their endeavors?

Most of the characters in Lessing’s short stories have good intentions but they fail to attain their goals because of the fictional hindrances that come their way. Romance and love emerge as the main obstacles hindering the characters from attaining their goals. The author is not optimistic that anything good is coming because almost all characters are focused on self-interest meaning that they do not put the interest of others at heart.