From her earliest discussions about writing, Lessing has admired works of authors who can realistically portray the social and emotional life of a character. In fact, this need to depict the truth perhaps is best indicated in the periods of her career that are distinguished by her nonfiction writings. In addition, Lessing has written commentary about works by Joseph Conrad, Karen Blixen's Out of Africa and Kurt Vonnegut's Mother Night. Her depiction of Kate continues in the same desire to present an honest portrayal of life; however, Lessing adds another layer to the work with its mystical qualities that represent the unconscious needs of the individual.

The allegorical strands of The Summer before the Dark might best be compared to such quest literature as the Iliad and the Odyssey as well as the "King Arthur" legends. Most often, the protagonist of such a storyline is a...