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which is an important foundation work in Lessing‟s research history. The Novels of Doris Lessing, published in 1973, also comprehensively summarizes Lessing‟s creative achievements. In this book, American scholar Paul Schlueter points out that the heroines in Lessing‟s works all have the same characteristics: commitment and it is this commitment that supports them in their constant search for freedom, independence, and self-confidence. With the promotion and introduction of Schlueter, the American Institute of Modern Languages held the first “Doris Lessing Research Conference” in December 1971. Based on this, Lessing research began to flourish in the United States. Then, in 1979, the Doris Lessing Society was founded by the Modern Language Association. The establishment of the Doris Lessing Society provides a platform for researchers all over the world to communicate. In 1984, Modern Language Association declared The Golden Notebook as the masterpiece of 20th-century world literature, and the United States became an important research center of Lessing. At the Doris Lessing International Conference held in New Orleans in 2004 and London in 2007, scholars from various countries discussed Lessing‟s works together, which once again proved the charm and contemporary nature of Lessing‟s works. 

CHAPTER TWO THE OVERT PLOT: KATE’S REALISTIC JOURNEY

2.1 At Home: Kate’s Existential Predicament

In The Summer Before the Dark, Lessing primarily focuses her attention on the experience of existence of a middle-aged housewife in order to portray the heroine Kate‟s predicament and suffering as she engages in an inner, torturous struggle for self-discovery and freedom. It can be seen from Kate‟s experience that in this absurd world, although middle-aged women are smart and experienced, and their husbands provide them with a good material life, they can easily fall into despair and helplessness, and experience absurd feelings due to the spiritual breakdown. In the 25 years of marriage, she has been a competent housewife, keeping her family in good order and taking good care of her four children. For her, family is all she has. She is such a good wife and mother, which accords with the ideal image of women. Sadly, however, to her family, her husband and four children, she means nothing to them. In such a place where she pours all her energy and passion, Kate loses herself unconsciously. The following section mainly analyzes Kate‟s predicament as a wife and mother in family life. 

First, facing the dilemma of gender relations: unable to establish ideal love and marriage, Kate becomes a marginal existence in pain and anxiety. Kate loses her sense of self-worth in the collective unconscious of patriarchy. Social status and economic factors further place Kate in an absolutely marginal existence. As Mrs. Michael, Kate knows that clothing or accessories are a means to socialize the body. In order to fit “this middle-class suburb and her position” (Lessing 10), and to meet the visual enjoyment needs of others, Kate is exquisitely matched all over her body, from hair, clothing to shoes and socks on her feet, which have been carefully selected and matched to make herself appear docile and non-aggressive. It is the reality of middle-class housewives to construct themselves in the expectation of others. 

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