Bewritings

Saskia May, a current third year student at Sussex, has won the Doris Lessing Society Student Essay Prize. The essay, titled ‘Maternal ambivalence in Doris Lessing’s letters’, is based on May’s work with the Junior Research Associate (JRA) Scheme. 

When asked what prompted her to research Doris Lessing and maternity, May noted how she found Lessing’s The Golden Notebook fascinating, after studying it in her second year.  May continued by noting her particular interest in motherhood and ‘ambivalence in a general sense,’ relating it to a Jane Lazarre quote: “the only thing which seems to be eternal and natural in motherhood is ambivalence.” Through her work, May aimed to explore the complexity of motherhood and ‘was drawn to this contradictory state of mind, of accepting feelings of both love and hatred.’ May continued by highlighting her interest in life writing, such as letters or diaries, remarking that looking through Lessing’s letters was a great opportunity to understand ‘her bravery and candid way of writing on her ambivalence towards motherhood.’ 

When discussing the JRA scheme, May noted her desire ‘to do some more guided, supervised research and [the scheme] seemed like a great place to start.’ This allowed her to utilise local resources, such as The Keep, for archival material, which May highlights as something she particularly wished to undertake. May regards her experience with the JRA scheme as ‘exciting and enjoyable’ and recommends it ‘not only to anyone who would like to stay in academia, like [herself], but for anyone that has an interest of study that they’d like to spend more time researching.’ May emphasised the phenomenal support she received from her supervisors, Dr Hope Wolf and Dr Pamela Thurschwell, feeling that she ‘really grew under their guidance and critique.’ May discussed the skills and experience the JRA scheme has provided her with, particularly ‘endurance and patience.’ The scheme taught May ‘to be more organised and structured with [her] time and how to reference in different styles.’ 

In regards to winning the prize, May notes: ‘[I was] super surprised but very grateful! I was invited to become a member of the Doris Lessing society, where I got to meet Lessing scholars (virtually) all over the globe. This was a very special experience.’ The Doris Letting Society have also invited May to submit her paper to be potentially published within the Doris Lessing Studies journal. She also plans to undertake a Masters in Contemporary English Literature to continue her writing.