The Fifth Child, written by Doris Lessing, is a novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics and societal expectations. The story follows David and Harriet, a couple who desire a large family, and their journey through parenthood. However, their fifth child, Ben, is born different from their other children and disrupts the family’s harmony.
The novel can be interpreted as an allegory for the fear and anxiety surrounding societal change. Ben, as a symbol of disruption and deviation from the norm, represents the fear of the unknown. This can be seen in the family’s reaction to Ben’s behavior and their attempts to control and confine him. The novel also explores the tension between individuality and conformity, as the family struggles to balance their desire for a large family with the societal pressure to conform to traditional family structures.
Overview of ‘The Fifth Child’
Plot Summary
‘The Fifth Child’ is a novel by Doris Lessing that tells the story of a couple, David and Harriet Lovatt, who want to have a large family with as many as ten children. They find a house outside of London where they can settle down and pursue their goal. After having four children, they give birth to their fifth child, Ben, who is different from their other children. Ben is aggressive and behaves in ways that are beyond their control. As the story progresses, Ben’s behavior becomes more and more dangerous, and the family struggles to cope with him.
Main Characters
The main characters in ‘The Fifth Child’ are David and Harriet Lovatt, a couple who want to have a large family. David works as an architect, and Harriet is a stay-at-home mom. They have four children, Luke, Helen, Jane, and Paul, before giving birth to Ben, their fifth child. Ben is different from their other children and is aggressive and difficult to control. The family also includes Harriet’s parents, who are supportive of the family but struggle to understand Ben’s behavior.
Allegorical Elements
Symbolism in the Novel
The Fifth Child by Doris Lessing is a novel that contains various allegorical elements. One of the most prominent symbols in the novel is Ben, the fifth child of Harriet and David. Ben symbolizes the destructive nature of human beings and the consequences of ignoring the warning signs. His behavior is portrayed as a reflection of the society’s failure to address the underlying issues that lead to violence and destruction.
Another symbol in the novel is the house where Harriet and David live. The house represents the ideal family home, a sanctuary of peace and comfort. However, as the story progresses, the house becomes a symbol of the family’s disintegration. The house is no longer a place of safety and comfort, but a battleground where the family struggles to maintain its unity.
Themes and Motifs
The Fifth Child also contains various themes and motifs that add to the allegorical nature of the novel. One of the major themes is the conflict between individualism and conformity. Harriet and David’s desire to have a large family is seen as a rebellion against the conformist ideals of their society. However, their desire for individual freedom leads to the birth of Ben, who becomes a threat to their family’s unity.
Another theme in the novel is the idea of the Other. Ben is portrayed as an Other, a creature that is not fully human. His physical appearance and behavior are seen as a threat to the family’s sense of normalcy. The family’s decision to institutionalize Ben is based on their fear of the Other and their desire to protect their own.
Interpretations of the Allegory
Social Commentary
The Fifth Child by Doris Lessing has been interpreted as a commentary on the social norms of the time in which it was written. The novel is set in the 1960s, a period of upheaval and change in Europe and America. The Lovatt family, with their traditional values and expectations, can be seen as a representation of the old order. The arrival of Ben, the fifth child, disrupts their idyllic family life and challenges their beliefs about what it means to be a family. The novel can be seen as a critique of the rigid social norms of the time, and a call for greater acceptance of difference.
Psychological Analysis
The Fifth Child has also been analyzed from a psychological perspective. Ben’s violent behavior and inability to conform to social norms have been interpreted as symptoms of a mental disorder. Some readers have suggested that Ben may have autism or another developmental disorder. Others have argued that his behavior is a result of trauma or neglect. The novel can be seen as a study of the psychological effects of social isolation and the challenges faced by families with children who have special needs.
Cultural Reflection
Finally, The Fifth Child has been read as a reflection on the cultural values of the time. Lessing, a feminist writer, was interested in exploring the role of women in society. Harriet, the mother of the Lovatt family, is portrayed as a woman who is trapped by her traditional role as a wife and mother. Her struggle to balance her own desires with the expectations of her family and society can be seen as a reflection of the challenges faced by women in the 1960s. The novel can be read as a critique of the limited roles available to women at the time, and a call for greater freedom and autonomy.
Author’s Perspective
Doris Lessing’s Views
Doris Lessing, the author of The Fifth Child, was a feminist and a social critic who often explored the themes of gender, politics, and society in her works. In The Fifth Child, Lessing examines the idea of the perfect family and the societal expectations placed on women to be wives and mothers. She challenges the traditional gender roles and highlights the struggles of women who are forced to conform to these roles.
Lessing’s views on society are evident in the way she portrays the characters in the novel. Harriet, the protagonist, is shown as a woman who struggles to balance her desire for a large family with her own ambitions and desires. David, on the other hand, represents the traditional patriarchal figure who expects his wife to fulfill her duties as a mother and a wife.
Inspirations for the Novel
Lessing’s own life experiences and observations of society served as inspirations for The Fifth Child. She was a mother of three children and had witnessed the struggles of women who were expected to have children and raise a family while also pursuing their own careers and ambitions.
Additionally, Lessing was influenced by the social and political changes that were taking place in the 1960s when the novel is set. The counterculture movement and the rise of feminism challenged the traditional gender roles and the societal expectations placed on women. These changes are reflected in the novel through the characters’ struggles to conform to the societal norms and expectations.
Critical Reception
Literary Criticism
Doris Lessing’s novel, “The Fifth Child,” has received mixed reviews from literary critics. Some critics have praised the novel for its allegorical nature, while others have criticized it for its lack of depth. The allegory in the novel is often seen as a commentary on society‘s fear of the “other,” specifically those who are different or disabled. The character of Ben, the fifth child, is often seen as a symbol of this fear.
Critics have noted that Lessing’s writing style is straightforward and simple, which some have found to be lacking in depth. However, others have praised the simplicity of her writing, noting that it allows the allegory to shine through. Overall, the novel has been seen as a thought-provoking exploration of societal fears and prejudices.
Public and Scholarly Response
“The Fifth Child” has garnered attention from both the public and scholars alike. The novel has been the subject of numerous academic studies, with scholars examining its allegorical nature and its commentary on societal fears. The novel has also been the subject of controversy, with some readers finding the portrayal of Ben to be offensive and insensitive.
Despite the controversy, “The Fifth Child” has remained a popular novel, with many readers finding it to be a powerful exploration of societal fears and prejudices. The novel has been praised for its ability to provoke thought and discussion, and it continues to be a popular choice for book clubs and classroom discussions.
Comparative Analysis
Similar Works
Doris Lessing’s The Fifth Child has been compared to other works of literature that explore the theme of the “monstrous child.” One such example is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, which also deals with the consequences of creating a being that is outside the bounds of nature. Both novels raise questions about the limits of science and the responsibilities of parents.
Another work that shares similarities with The Fifth Child is William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. Both novels explore the darker side of human nature and the ways in which society can break down when faced with a threat. In The Fifth Child, the threat comes from within the family, while in Lord of the Flies, it comes from the boys’ isolation on a deserted island.
Genre Comparison
The Fifth Child can be classified as a work of horror, but it also contains elements of science fiction and social commentary. The novel’s focus on the dangers of unchecked reproduction and the breakdown of the nuclear family is reminiscent of dystopian fiction, while the character of Ben, with his superhuman strength and animalistic behavior, is more akin to a monster from a horror story.
Despite its genre-bending tendencies, The Fifth Child remains a powerful exploration of the fears and anxieties that plague modern society. By examining the ways in which a seemingly perfect family can be torn apart by the arrival of a monstrous child, Lessing forces readers to confront their own fears about the unknown and the uncontrollable.
Teaching “The Fifth Child”
Educational Value
“The Fifth Child” is a thought-provoking novel that can be used as a teaching tool in a variety of courses, including literature, psychology, and sociology. The novel’s allegorical elements can also be used to teach critical thinking and analysis skills. Students can be challenged to identify and interpret the symbols and motifs used throughout the novel, such as the character of Ben and his impact on the family.
Discussion Questions
To facilitate classroom discussions, instructors can use a variety of discussion questions related to the novel. Some potential questions include:
- How does the character of Ben challenge traditional notions of family and parenting?
- What role does societal pressure play in the family’s decision to have a large family?
- How does the novel explore the tension between individuality and conformity?
- What is the significance of the novel’s title, “The Fifth Child”?
- How does the novel use allegory to convey its themes and messages?
These questions can be used to encourage critical thinking and analysis of the novel’s themes and messages. Instructors can also use these questions to prompt students to explore their own beliefs and values related to family, society, and individuality.