March 16th, 2008
by Doris Lessing
Clicky here to see it: The Fifth Child
A tale about a newlywed couple (Harriet and David) who have high expectations for the perfect family, and what happens when their fifth child comes along, and is not part of thier picture perfect quality family. Harriet has four children in rapid succession, and when she unexpectedly gets pregnant with her fifth child, things start to go wrong. She is completely worn out from not giving herself any time to rest after the previous four pregnancies, and this one is different from the beginning for her. It is uncomfortable, and she starts to resent the fetus growing inside of her, veiwing it more of some monster than a child. The baby is born, and is not the beautiful baby that the other four were. The baby, who they name Ben, is very strong and odd looking.
It is hard to tell whether the child is really a trollish looking evil child, or if he is just normal somewhat deformed child who is outcast by his family because he does not fit thier ideal image. Ben is not loved by anyone in his family from the moment he is born. Harriet tries out of motherly instinct, but she does not love him and it is apparant. His father will have nothing to do with him, and the entire family eventually convinces Harriet to have him institutionalized, even though all of the psychiatrists, teachers, and doctors say they can see nothing wrong with him.
It made me take a look at myself, and try to put myself in the position of having an “abnormal” child and wonder what I would do. The lack of care on any of the family’s part sickened me, especially the mom. I cannot fathom bearing a child and being so hateful of it, regardless of any abnormalities. David makes me want to slap him. The children try, but the reactions from their parents I think sway much of their feelings towards him.
It was an interesting read, and I would recommend it.