Abstract:Doris Lessing’s first novel The Grass Is Singing specifically described the heroine Mary’s influences from three important male characters around her, and her tragic ending. Basing on the feministic study, the author explores the oppression and influence of patriarchal society on Mary, and discusses Mary’s brave fighting against the oppression, and her miserable result. What is more, it is concluded that women’s quest for independence and freedom is tough in patriarchal society.

Keywords: Feminism; patriarchy; independence; freedom

Contents

摘要

Abstract

1 INTRODUCTION-1

1.1 Breif Introduction to Doris Lessing-1

1.2 Brief Introduction to The Grass Is Singing-2

2 LITERATURE REVIEW-4

2.1 Overseas Studies-4

2.2 Domestic Studies-4

2.3 Summary-6

3 FEMINISM-7

4 MARY’S OPPRESSION FROM PATRIARCHAL SOCIETY-9

4.1 Tough Childhood Made by Father-9

4.1.1 Father’s role and image in the family-9

4.1.2 Father’s influence on Mary’s attitude to family-10

4.2 Unhappy Marriage with Her Husband-11

4.2.1 The relationship between Mary and her husband Dick-11

4.2.2 Dick’s influence on Mary’s mind about marriage-12

4.3 Taboo Love with Black Manservant-13

4.3.1 The illicit relationship between Mary and Moses-13

4.3.2 Moses’ influence on Mary’s mind about love-14

4.4 Summary-15

5 MARY’S FIGHTING FOR INDEPENDENCE AND FREEDOM-17

5.1 The Pursuit of Economic Independence-17

5.2 The Quest for Spiritual Freedom-19

5.3 The Challenge to Secular Concept-20

5.4 Summary-21

6 CONCLUSION-22

REFERENCES-24

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS-25