Meaning: The quote "We use our parents like recurring dreams, to be entered into when needed" by Doris Lessing, a renowned British writer, encapsulates the complex and often multifaceted relationships individuals have with their parents. This thought-provoking statement invites us to consider the ways in which we engage with our parents, both consciously and unconsciously, throughout our lives. By likening the relationship to recurring dreams, Lessing suggests that our parents serve as a source of comfort, guidance, and emotional resonance that we can access when required.

Doris Lessing was known for her insightful and often introspective writing, delving into the human condition and the intricacies of personal relationships. Born in 1919 in Iran and raised in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), her own experiences and observations undoubtedly influenced her understanding of the dynamics between parents and their children. Throughout her literary career, Lessing explored themes of identity, family, and the complexities of human connection, making her quote on parental relationships particularly poignant.

The metaphor of using parents "like recurring dreams" suggests a certain fluidity and unpredictability in our interactions with them. Much like a recurring dream that can resurface unexpectedly, our relationships with our parents may ebb and flow throughout our lives, often resurfacing during moments of need or reflection. This comparison also alludes to the deep-rooted nature of the parent-child bond, which can persist even when we are not actively engaging with our parents on a day-to-day basis.

The idea of "entering into" our parents as recurring dreams implies a level of emotional and psychological immersion. When we "enter into" a dream, we become fully engaged in its narrative and imagery, and similarly, when we turn to our parents for support or understanding, we immerse ourselves in the familiarity and comfort of that relationship. This concept speaks to the enduring influence that parents can have on their children, even as they grow into adulthood and navigate their own lives.

Furthermore, the notion of using parents as recurring dreams suggests a certain agency on the part of the individual. It acknowledges that we have the capacity to draw upon the emotional resources and connections inherent in our relationships with our parents when we feel the need to do so. This agency reflects the ongoing and evolving nature of the parent-child dynamic, emphasizing that the relationship is not static but rather subject to our own interpretations and needs.

In a broader sense, Lessing's quote prompts us to consider the role of parents in shaping our emotional and psychological landscapes. Our parents often serve as foundational figures in our lives, influencing our beliefs, values, and sense of self. As such, the idea of "using" them as recurring dreams underscores the interconnectedness of our own identity and experiences with the influence of our parents.

In conclusion, Doris Lessing's quote "We use our parents like recurring dreams, to be entered into when needed" offers a thought-provoking perspective on the enduring impact of parental relationships. Through the metaphor of recurring dreams, Lessing captures the nuanced and multifaceted nature of the parent-child bond, inviting us to contemplate the ways in which we engage with and draw upon the emotional connections and support provided by our parents. This quote serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring influence of parental relationships and the complex interplay between individual agency and the emotional resonance of familial connections.