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An Analysis of Ben in The Fifth Child and Its Sequel from the Perspective of Freudian Psychoanalysis

Author(s)

Longfei Zheng

Affiliation(s)

School of Foreign Languages, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong, China

Abstract

As one of the most prestigious female writers succeeding to Woolf, Doris Lessing delivers profound reflections on human nature and marginal groups in her representative works The Fifth Child and its sequel Ben, in the World. Centering on the deformed protagonist Ben, the two novels depict his miserable life trajectory: excluded and disgraced by his own family since childhood, Ben is eventually abandoned. Struggling in a utilitarian and indifferent social environment, he harbors a sincere longing for warmth and stable family life, yet can only drift aimlessly. Suffering from long-term bullying and ruthless exploitation from the outside world, he falls into endless despair and ultimately chooses to end his life. This paper explores Ben’s tragic fate based on Freudian personality structure theory and psychological defense mechanism theory. It interprets the dynamic evolution of the protagonist’s personality in his growth experience and explores the psychological coping modes he adopts in the face of continuous misfortunes. The analysis further excavates the essential causes of Ben’s personal tragedy, exposes the selfish and greedy dark side of human nature hidden behind social and family indifference, and provides new perspectives for understanding the complexity of human nature. This study also helps promote rational and inclusive attitudes towards vulnerable and marginalized groups in society.

Keywords

Doris Lessing; The Fifth Child; Freudian Psychoanalysis; Human Nature

References

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