Perspectives

Literary perspective

The short story “The Mother of the Child in Question” by Doris Lessing contains several features of modernist literature.

The presence of important contemporary issues is one such element. The story’s main theme is intellectual disability, and how it is perceived differently by the family of the disabled child compared to the medical professionals. 

Stephen’s shifting perspective on Shireen’s case can be considered another modernist element. At the beginning, he focuses only on her potential intellectual progress at the special school, while at the end, he realizes the importance of a warm family environment which can fulfill her emotional needs.

The presence of symbols in the story is another modernist element. The most important symbol appe...