To Room Nineteen

The attitude that both Susan and Matthew have toward marital infidelity seems nonchalant, though Susan does express some disappointment at Matthew’s indiscretions. Later, infidelity becomes a significant, if atypical, driver of the story’s conclusion. What role does infidelity play in the marriage and in Susan’s decisions?

Clearly, Susan is unhappy in her role as wife and mother; however, she seems unable to articulate exactly what she is seeking, even during her time in Room 19. What hints does the story provide regarding the roots of Susan’s unhappiness, and why is it so difficult for her to speak about it? How does this relate to “madness” as a social construct?

What does the garden symbolize for Susan? How does her relationship to the garden change as the story develops? Think about the symbolism of gardens broadly, and compare and contrast this to how Lessing employs it here.

Why doesn’t Matthew feel as Susan does, trapped by his family responsibilities and alienated from his own identity? What is different about his role in both the marriage and the family?

Why is there so much discussion—even controversy—around the setting aside of Mother’s Room? Why does it cause such disruption in the family? Why is it ultimately unsuccessful as a solution to Susan’s inner conflict?

Describe Room 19: what about it appeals to Susan? Why does she request the same room each time she visits Fred’s Hotel? Why is the story named for the room and not, for example, for the protagonist?

Why does Susan lie to her husband about having an affair? What is the purpose of the invented “Michael Plant”?

Presumably there are more opportunities today for women of Susan’s social class to pursue their own careers or interests outside of the family unit, though there are still hotly contested debates over a woman’s responsibilities in child-rearing and other domestic duties. Is this story still relevant? If so, how does the reader relate to Susan’s predicament? If not, how does this affect the reader’s response to Susan’s choices?