Female Psychological Deterioration Through Islamic Feminist Lens: A Critical Analysis of Doris Lessing's "To Room Nineteen"

Abstract

This study presents a critical analysis of Doris Lessing's "To Room Nineteen" through the theoretical framework of Islamic feminism, examining the psychological implications of gender inequality within private spheres. Drawing on Dr. Ziba Mir-Hosseini's Islamic feminist theory, this research investigates how systemic inequalities in domestic spaces contribute to female psychological deterioration, ultimately affecting broader societal structures. The study focuses on the protagonist Susan's psychological disintegration within an ostensibly egalitarian marriage in 1960s London, revealing how subtle forms of inequality can lead to profound psychological consequences. Through careful analysis, this research demonstrates that women's mental well-being, particularly in their role as mothers, significantly impacts family dynamics and social stability. Rather than merely critiquing patriarchal structures, this study examines how socially constructed domestic roles and expectations create barriers to genuine equality in private spheres. The tragic culmination of Susan's psychological journey into suicide serves as a powerful lens through which to examine the broader implications of gender inequality in domestic spaces. This research contributes to contemporary discourse on gender equality by highlighting the distinction between superficial and substantive equality, while suggesting that Islamic feminist principles offer valuable insights into addressing these complex issues.