A Woman on a Roof

Compare and contrast the woman and Mrs. Pritchett, discussing their impact on Tom, Stanley, and Harry, in light of those characterizations.

Evaluate “A Woman on a Roof” through the lens of Second Wave Feminism. What do the interactions between the woman, Stanley and Tom reveal about the tensions of this movement?

Using textual evidence, explain how Lessing reveals the tension between social classes in the United Kingdom in the mid-20th century. What views, if any, does the narrator have on the matter?

How does Lessing use diction and dialogue to highlight class struggle in mid-20th century Britain in “A Woman on a Roof”?

Write an essay in which you explore Lessing’s juxtaposition of fantasy and reality, and the impact of these two opposing forces on Tom’s fall from innocence.

How does Lessing use imagery to explore contemporary views of the working class in the mid-20th century United Kingdom?

How and why does Tom’s view of The Woman’s right to privacy change over the course of the short story?

How does Doris Lessing use dramatic irony to create conflict and explore the theme of Objectification and the Male Gaze in “A Woman on a Roof”?