Chapter 4 Summary and Analysis

Lessing's mother chooses to travel back to England by way of Moscow and her memories of this journey are deeply unpleasant. From England, the family goes to Africa, based on an exhibition they see. Heading to Southern Rhodesia, her mother and father have all of their teeth removed because they are informed proper dental care is not available there. The family takes a ship to Southern Rhodesia, and Lessing remembers the captain and her mother become great friends, but her memories of the captain are not good. Doris remembers being locked in the cabin while her parents go to dances on deck at night, and Doris cuts up one of her mother's evening dresses. The family arrives in Africa, and lodges in Lilfordia, until they find a farm. The plan is for their family to get a low interest loan from...