Setting

Physical setting

The short story “The Mother of the Child in Question” by Doris Lessing takes place in the UK, as suggested by the fact that Hassan translates for the social worker in English. The name of the city remains unknown, which suggests that similar events could take place in any city in the UK.

The culture clash between the characters is evidenced by Stephen’s perception of the surroundings. At the beginning of the story, as well as at the end, he is struck by the dirty, desolate environment: “Cement, everywhere he looked. Stained grey piles went up into the sky (…) puddles, soft drink cans and bits of damp paper.” (p. 150, ll. 2-5). The interior of the building appears just as bad: “grey urine-smelling stairs” (p. 150, l. 12). There is a strong contrast with the Khans’ apa...