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Messed up Quote by Doris Lessing

“I wanted to write about my mother as she should have been if she had not been messed up by World War I.” quote by Doris Lessing
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“I wanted to write about my mother as she should have been if she had not been messed up by World War I.”

Doris Lessing

About This Quote

Source Novel: “The Golden Notebook” by Doris Lessing, 1962

The author wishes to portray an idealized mother unscarred by war’s trauma, exploring loss and reconstruction.

In simple terms: Imagining a mother untouched by war.

Key Takeaway

Seek healing beyond historical wounds.

Themes

war trauma maternal ideal memory

Mood

somber hopeful

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • family narratives
  • post‑war societies
  • personal healing

Key Concepts

history psychology reconstruction

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does war shape family identity?
  • Can we rewrite personal histories?
A Different Perspective

Idealization may ignore complex realities of trauma.

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