Doris Lessing's Short Stories: The Male's Point of View

Abstract

The stories to be discussed in this article concern men in social situations which reflect on both their private and public relationships with women. In "A Woman on a Roof"³. Lessing explores the reactions of three men to a woman with whom they essentially have no association.

Although the men share a similar social background, their behaviour is a result of their personal opinions, beliefs and experiences. In "The Woman"⁴ two older men, sharing similar sentiments about women from their past, make sure their presence is felt by the young waitress serving them. When she doesn't show them the "respect" they think they deserve, whether for their age or sex, the young girl is subjected to their snide comments. In "The Witness", "The Habit of Loving" and "Flight" (all from The Habit of Loving collection) Lessing again shows older men in relationships with younger women. In the final two stories, "The De Wets Come to Kloof Grange"⁵ and "The Story of a Non-Marrying Man"^6,, the male characters are seen in conflict not just with women, but with their environment and work, which can have tragic effects on personal relationships.