Motherhood and The Female Subject in The Fifth Child by Doris Lessing

Motherhood is often idealized in various cultures, epitomized by the image of a loving mother. This archetype of the "good mother" is deeply ingrained in Western society, where it is portrayed as a universal experience. However, feminist historians argue that this notion of motherhood is a social construct, laden with cultural expectations and norms. Adrienne Rich describes motherhood as an "institution," emphasizing that there is no essential or universal experience of being a mother.

Conventional Ideologies of Motherhood

Feminist critics contend that traditional ideologies of motherhood reinforce patriarchal structures, particularly the image of the idealized white, middle-class family. Such ideologies promote specific gender roles that perpetuate women's subordination. In many cases, women are defined primarily by their roles as mothers, which sustains patriarchal lineage and regulates female behavior. This narrow definition of femininity positions women as objects, thereby denying their subjectivity.

While some feminists view motherhood as an acceptance of patriarchal oppression, recent scholars, such as Julia Kristeva, argue that condemning childbearing is not a path to liberation. Instead, they advocate for a new discourse surrounding maternity—one that challenges the monolithic definitions of motherhood and embraces a diverse range of maternal experiences. This new discourse emphasizes the perspectives and subjectivities of mothers.

The Empowerment of Maternity

Adrienne Rich was among the first feminists to articulate the empowering potential of maternity. In her seminal work, "Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and Institution," she distinguishes between motherhood as a restrictive institution and mothering as an individual experience. The latter, she argues, can serve as a source of power—a concept later termed "empowered mothering" by Andrea O'Reilly. This idea resonates with Kristeva's notion that maternity embodies "the heretical ethics of love," which can disrupt patriarchal structures.

Patriarchal Constructs in Lessing's "The Fifth Child"

Doris Lessing's "The Fifth Child" begins by portraying the patriarchal ideal of motherhood through the character of David, an ambitious architect. He embodies traditional values, seeking to create a family that fulfills his dreams of domesticity. His marriage to Harriet is rooted in the expectation of a conventional family life, where she is seen as the key to maintaining the patriarchal order. David's standards of motherhood are steeped in self-sacrifice and fertility, reflecting a romanticized vision of motherhood that serves male aspirations.

Harriet's Struggle with Motherhood

Harriet embodies the traditional maternal figure who finds fulfillment in domesticity. She willingly abandons her career, believing that family life is the cornerstone of happiness. However, her life revolves solely around pregnancy and nurturing her four children, adhering to the patriarchal definition of motherhood. This ideal is disrupted by the birth of Ben, their fifth child, whose existence challenges the family's constructed maternal ideal.

Ben's arrival is marked by turmoil, symbolizing the darker aspects of motherhood. His birth is painful and traumatic for Harriet, contrasting sharply with the idyllic experiences she had with her other children. Ben is not only physically different; he also disrupts the harmony of the family, causing Harriet immense strain as she struggles to care for him while fulfilling her roles as a mother to her other children. This experience reflects the harsh realities of motherhood, starkly opposing the romanticized ideals perpetuated by patriarchal society.

The Alienation of the "Other"

Ben's differences lead to his alienation from the family and society. He is labeled as a "troll" and a "goblin," reflecting the family's inability to accept his otherness. David's rejection of Ben exemplifies the patriarchal refusal to acknowledge anything that disrupts the ideal family structure. This alienation raises questions about societal norms: Is Ben truly abnormal, or is he merely a victim of a society that cannot accommodate differences?

The family's decision to institutionalize Ben reveals the manipulative dynamics of patriarchal power. Harriet's eventual capitulation to societal pressures underscores the loss of her maternal subjectivity. The conflict between her maternal instincts and societal expectations leads her to relinquish Ben, which allows her to conform to the traditional maternal paradigm, albeit at a great personal cost.

Harriet's Awakening

Harriet's journey culminates in a profound awakening as she grapples with her conflicting emotions toward Ben. Despite the societal pressures that lead her to feel relieved at the thought of his absence, she cannot ignore the bond she shares with him. Her decision to rescue Ben from the institution signifies a rebellion against patriarchal norms and a reclaiming of her maternal subjectivity.

As Harriet navigates her role as a mother to Ben, she begins to redefine her identity outside the constraints of traditional motherhood. This shift symbolizes her growing empowerment and her rejection of the patriarchal ideals that once confined her. However, her journey also highlights the challenges of constructing an identity in a society that values conformity over individuality.

The Consequences of Rejection

Ultimately, Harriet's attempt to embrace her identity as a mother of an "other" leads to the disintegration of her family. The tensions between her evolving sense of self and the expectations placed upon her as a mother culminate in her family's collapse. Lessing suggests that the ideal of motherhood, when rigidly defined by patriarchal standards, can stifle the growth and identity of women.

The conclusion of "The Fifth Child" presents a somber reality: Harriet's journey does not culminate in a utopian vision of motherhood but rather in disillusionment and fragmentation. Her struggle to forge an identity outside the traditional maternal model reflects the broader challenges women face in a patriarchal society. Ultimately, Lessing's narrative underscores the necessity for women to transcend the limitations imposed by motherhood to construct a dynamic and multifaceted sense of self.