Muriel Spark is known in the literary world for her witty narrative technique. While some critics term her as a complex and puzzling writer, critics like Massie (1979) and Kemp (1974) have praised Spark for her wit and satire through which she cleverly narrates the follies of the society. Critics like Whittaker (1982) have written about the theme of morality and faith in her novels. But no research or critical work presents the psychological dimension of her novels. Such a study is essential to understand Spark’s fiction as well as the society in which she lived.

In most of Spark’s novels, we have women as central characters. Her portrayal of women appears to be true to life. She gives us a deep insight into the nature of their selfhood and personality, both in good health and disorder. The women in her novels are confident, educated and intelligent and belonging to a sophisticated civilized society. They are independent, influence others and take their own decision. But they are not satisfied with their own way of living. They are wavering in their minds, perplexed in a state of mental disturbance, sometimes in anxiety and frustration. We can find a lurking absurdity beneath their personality or their behavior. There is a constant search for identity and selfhood in them; which is evident through their reflections about themselves, about the people and the world around them.

English Studies Journal, Modern Woman’s Quest, Suffering: Psychological Exploration, Muriel Spark’s Novels, Dual Identity, Quest for Selfhood, Annabel Christopher, publicity stunt, sheer hypocrisy, Madonna, Fredrick.