Question

According to the passage, Lessing's feminism is characterized by which of the following?
I. A lack of concern for the well-being of males.
II. A special emphasis upon the problems of women in professional life.
Ill. A belief that antagonism between the sexes is inevitable.

• A. I only
• B. III only
• C. I and II only
• D. I and III only

Answer 1

The correct option is B III only

Lessing's writings assert that relations between sexes are difficult and hence, there will always be antagonism between them. The words from the passage "she insisted that relations between the sexes were difficult and unequal" support this point. She believed that we are moving toward a global catastrophe and that is true in terms of relations between men and women. The words "Her message seems to be of complete moral and social bankruptcy, particularly in the relations between men and women" evidences this point. Finally "One does not feel that Lessing sees any hope, only perpetual deadlock" section of the passage shows that readers do not see any hope in her writings for improvement in relations between both sexes. This means that there will be antagonism between the sexes and that is inevitable. Thus, III is correct.

The passage states that she views males as poor creatures. That means there is sufficient concern for males in her writings. This shows that there is no lack of concern for males in her feminism. Hence, I is incorrect.

The passage does not mention anything about women's professional life. Hence II is wrong.