SYMBOLIC IMAGERY IN DORIS LESSING’S SHORT STORIES LITTLE TEMBI AND NO SALE FOR WITCHCRAFT
Keywords:
This study employs a qualitative literary analysis methodology, focusing primarily on close reading, thematic analysis, and semiotic interpretation to explore the symbolic imagery in Doris Lessing’s short stories Little Tembi and No Sale forAbstract
Doris Lessing’s short stories “Little Tembi” and “No Sale for Witchcraft” are
profound explorations of cultural identity, racial prejudice, and social conflict,
rendered through rich symbolic imagery. This article employs close textual analysis
and theoretical frameworks from literary criticism to investigate the symbolic devices
Lessing employs to deepen her narratives. In “Little Tembi,” the protagonist’s journey
symbolizes the tensions between tradition and modernity, personal freedom, and
cultural displacement. Conversely, “No Sale for Witchcraft” uses witchcraft
symbolism to critique racial stereotypes and societal fear of the unfamiliar. The study
reveals how these symbolic images invite readers to reflect on postcolonial realities,
social injustice, and the resilience of marginalized communities. Ultimately, the
findings highlight Lessing’s skillful use of symbolism as a tool for social critique and
empathy, underscoring her lasting significance in literary and cultural discourse.
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