Department of English, Science and Research Branch, Azad University,
10.22091/slic.2026.15088.1026
Abstract
This study investigates the interplay between narrative techniques and psychological insights in Doris Lessing's The Golden Notebook (1962) and Landlocked (1965) using Text World Theory as a cognitive framework. Moving beyond prior structuralist and formalist analyses, this research demonstrates how Lessing’s narrative strategies—particularly world-building elements, function-advancing propositions, dialogue, and sub-worlds—reflect her characters’ mental frustrations, existential crises, and responses to the social and political disintegration of the post-war era. The analysis reveals that epistemic, deontic, and boulomaic sub-worlds enable a nuanced representation of characters’ beliefs, desires, and obligations, while layered text-worlds and dynamic discourse capture the complexity of their emotional and ideological experiences. Dialogue functions as a key mechanism for advancing the narrative, exposing both inner turmoil and interpersonal tensions, and linking cognitive and social dimensions within the novels. These findings highlight how Lessing’s narrative structures embody psychological realism, portraying the disintegration of identity and the struggle for autonomy in a fractured society. By bridging cognitive theory and literary analysis, this study offers fresh insights into Lessing scholarship and underscores the utility of Text World Theory for examining the interrelation between narrative form and character psychology. Ultimately, it demonstrates how narrative techniques can illuminate the cognitive and emotional realities of literary characters, inviting readers to engage with the psychological depth of Lessing’s work.
Bahmani Komasi, B. (2026). Narrative Techniques and Psychological Insights in Doris Lessing's The Golden Notebook and Landlocked. Studies in literature and Culture: from Theory to Practice, (), -. doi: 10.22091/slic.2026.15088.1026
MLA
Bahar Bahmani Komasi. "Narrative Techniques and Psychological Insights in Doris Lessing's The Golden Notebook and Landlocked". Studies in literature and Culture: from Theory to Practice, , , 2026, -. doi: 10.22091/slic.2026.15088.1026
HARVARD
Bahmani Komasi, B. (2026). 'Narrative Techniques and Psychological Insights in Doris Lessing's The Golden Notebook and Landlocked', Studies in literature and Culture: from Theory to Practice, (), pp. -. doi: 10.22091/slic.2026.15088.1026
VANCOUVER
Bahmani Komasi, B. Narrative Techniques and Psychological Insights in Doris Lessing's The Golden Notebook and Landlocked. Studies in literature and Culture: from Theory to Practice, 2026; (): -. doi: 10.22091/slic.2026.15088.1026
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