A Feminist Study of The Summer before the Dark

Abstract

Lessing pays more attention to the destiny of women and she creates many female figures in her works. Lessing’s The Summer before the Dark also focuses on the fate of women. This paper interprets the novel from the perspective of Feminism and it analyzes the women’s survival situation at that time and makes a detailed analysis of Kate’s degradation, retreat and return. By clarifying the Kate’s awkward situation and spiritual confusion, elaborating the reasons of Kate’s leaving and her exploration, this paper points out that Kate found herself and realized the self-awareness after a series of exploration and reflection and finally chose to go home with a new image.