Abstract

The thesis analyzes the reasons of miserable fate of Ben in The Fifth Child from the perspective of close reading. The thesis is composed of four chapters. Chapter one simply introduces Doris Lessing and her works. Then, it tells main characters of the book and the study significance. Chapter two presents the study at home and abroad on The Fifth Child. Chapter three mainly analyzes Ben’s relationship with the others which is the reason that he goes into the wrong way. Chapter four concludes Ben’s sufferings and appeals others to pay more attention to those children who suffer from unfair treatment. 

Through the analysis of Ben’s unfortunate fate, people will get a better understanding of factors a child needs in his growth process and how to treat the outcast of our society in a correct way in an ordinary life.

Keywords: Ben; The Fifth Child; miserable fate

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Doris Lessing and her works-1

1.2 Main characters in the book and the study significance-2

2. Literature Review-3

3. Exploring Ben’s Tragic Fate: Ben's Relationship with the Others around Him-4

3.1 Ben’s relationship with his parents-4

3.2 Ben’s relationship with his relatives-7

3.3 Ben’s relationship with his teachers-8

3.4 Ben’s relationship with his peers-9

4. Conclusion-10

Works Cited-.11