Narrative Innovation and Identity Construction in Doris Lessing’s Fiction: From Realism to Experimental Storytelling

This paper explores Doris Lessing’s influence on modern literature, focusing on her shift from realism to more experimental narrative forms. Through an analysis of her works, including The Grass is Singing, The Golden Notebook, and the Canopus in Argos series, the study examines how Lessing employed fragmented storytelling, circular narrative techniques, and rich psychological insights to cope with themes such as identity, power structures, and the complex interplay between individual and collective experiences. The discussion emphasizes how her innovative narrative approaches challenged established literary conventions, offering fresh perspectives on personal and social dynamics. By placing her contributions within their historical and literary contexts, this research seeks to illuminate the significance of Lessing’s experimental techniques and their role in redefining the possibilities of fiction in the 20th century. Additionally, the paper highlights the unexploited potential of Lessing’s science fiction works, suggesting avenues for further scholarly exploration of their engagement with global and existential themes.