Perspectives

Literary perspective

The short story “DHSS” by Doris Lessing contains several elements of modernist literature.

The pessimistic nature of the story is one such element. Even though the woman accepts the help eventually, the story ends abruptly, on a pessimistic note, as the characters remain disillusioned and socially isolated, trapped by a system which they hate. 

Another modernist element is the presence of important contemporary issues. For example, the story’s main theme is the gap between the rich and the poor. Also, the story deals with topics such as unemployment, financial problems, and the difficulties poor people find themselves in, especially when the system that should look after them fails them. The presence of symbols in the story also points to the story...