"Grass" Summary

Introduction

Imagine a world where the grass grows so tall it could swallow you whole, and where beauty itself hides a deadly secret. "Grass" by Sheri S. Tepper is a classic of speculative fiction—a sweeping, eerie, and emotionally charged novel that blends eco-fiction, feminist themes, and the sharp edge of social critique. Published in 1989, "Grass" is often hailed as Tepper’s magnum opus, a book that not only entertains but also provokes deep questions about humanity’s relationship with nature, power, and faith. Whether you’re a college student exploring the genre or a lecturer seeking fresh material, Tepper’s "Grass" promises a wild ride across alien pastures.

Historical Context

The Late 20th Century and Science Fiction

"Grass" emerged in the late 1980s, a transformative period for science fiction. Environmental concerns, feminism, and skepticism toward institutions were reshaping the genre. Tepper, a leading voice among women science fiction authors, responded to the growing discourse on ecological collapse and patriarchal systems. The book’s themes resonate with the era’s anxieties about overpopulation, pandemic disease (not unlike late-20th-century HIV/AIDS fears), and the consequences of human arrogance.

Notable Influences and Inspirations

• Ecological Science: Tepper was influenced by rising environmental awareness.
• Feminist Movements: The growing prominence of feminist thought in literature is palpable in her narrative.
• Classic Sci-Fi: She builds on traditions established by Le Guin, Atwood, and Herbert, while forging her own unique path.

Brief Synopsis

Plot Overview

At its heart, "Grass" is a tale of secrets—both those buried in the tall, alien grass and those hidden in human hearts. Humanity has spread across the stars, yet a deadly plague is sweeping through every colonized planet—except one: Grass. In desperation, the ruling religious order, Sanctity, sends Marjorie Westriding Yrarier and her family to investigate. Their mission? Uncover why Grass alone resists the plague.

But Grass is unlike any world they’ve seen: a vast, aristocratic society obsessed with a peculiar “hunt,” and a landscape that is both alluring and terrifying. The further Marjorie probes, the more she uncovers about Grass’s chilling secrets—secrets that threaten not only her family but the future of all humankind.

Setting

Grass is a planet dominated by endless expanses of grassland, with isolated aristocratic estates (“bawns”) rising from the sea of green. The grass itself is not mundane but a riotous, multi-hued ecosystem—sometimes beautiful, sometimes deadly, always mysterious. The planet’s ruling class is insular and aloof, its customs shaped by the annual “hunt,” a ritual that feels both medieval and alien.

The atmosphere is tense, almost gothic. There’s a sense of something lurking—both in the grass and within the human psyche.

Main Characters

Plot Summary

Arrival and Alienation

The Westriding Yrarier family arrives on Grass, immediately feeling out of place among the aristocratic “bons.” The local nobles are obsessed with the Hunt, a ritual that blends sport, religion, and social control. Marjorie senses that the Hunt is more than a pastime—it’s a dark tradition with ancient roots.

The Hunt and Its Horrors

Marjorie and her family are reluctantly drawn into the world of the Hunt. The nobles ride strange, beautiful mounts called Hippae and pursue even stranger prey. But the Hunt is more dangerous than it appears. Marjorie soon realizes that the Hippae are not mere animals—they are sentient, cunning, and possibly complicit in the planet’s secrets.

Secrets in the Grass

As Marjorie investigates, she discovers that the grass itself is a teeming ecosystem, filled with hidden threats. People disappear, and rumors swirl of ancient pacts between Grass’s first settlers and the alien lifeforms. Marjorie’s inquiries put her at odds with the ruling class—and place her family in grave danger.

The Plague and Sanctity’s Shadow

Meanwhile, the plague ravages human worlds. Sanctity—the all-powerful religious order—pressures Marjorie for answers, growing increasingly desperate. The search for a cure becomes entangled with political intrigue, religious dogma, and Marjorie’s personal quest for truth.

Revelation and Reckoning

Without spoiling the climax, suffice it to say that Marjorie’s discoveries force a confrontation—between humanity and the Hippae, between truth and tradition, and between Marjorie’s own values and the demands of those in power. The fate of Grass, and perhaps the human race, hangs in the balance.

Themes and Motifs

Ecological Complexity and Respect

Tepper’s Grass is not just a backdrop—it is a living, breathing antagonist. The novel critiques humanity’s arrogance in believing it can master nature. It warns that ecosystems are far more complex—and potentially dangerous—than we realize.

Power, Patriarchy, and Social Stratification

Grass’s society mirrors the rigid class structures and gender roles of Earth’s past. Tepper skewers patriarchal institutions, using Marjorie’s struggles to interrogate the costs of obedience, tradition, and gendered expectations.

Religion and Dogma

Sanctity, the religious order, wields enormous power—often to the detriment of scientific inquiry and individual freedom. Tepper explores how institutions may cling to dogma in the face of existential threats, even at the cost of truth and survival.

The Alien Other

The Hippae and the grass ecosystem represent the ultimate “Other”—beautiful, seductive, and deadly. The novel challenges readers to question what it means to be alien, and how fear and misunderstanding shape our responses.

Family, Love, and Sacrifice

At the novel’s heart is Marjorie’s struggle to protect her family and reconcile her love for them with her ethical convictions. Tepper uses family dynamics to explore loyalty, resilience, and the cost of difficult choices.

Thematic Table

Literary Techniques and Style

Narrative Structure

Tepper crafts "Grass" with a layered, omniscient narrative that shifts between the perspectives of Marjorie, Rigo, and other key figures. This approach allows for rich world-building and emotional depth, capturing both the macro (societal) and micro (personal) stakes.

Symbolism

Grass itself is a potent symbol—representing both nature’s beauty and its danger, and echoing the tangled complexities of human relationships. The Hunt serves as a metaphor for class privilege, violence, and ritualized oppression.

Realism and World-Building

Despite its alien setting, the society of Grass feels grounded—its politics, prejudices, and power struggles are all too familiar. Tepper’s descriptive prose brings the planet to vivid life, immersing readers in a landscape that is as enchanting as it is unsettling.

Feminist Perspective

Tepper’s voice is unflinchingly feminist, critiquing patriarchy not just through plot but through language, characterization, and the very structure of power on Grass.

Author's Background

Who is Sheri S. Tepper?

Sheri S. Tepper (1929–2016) was an American novelist celebrated for her bold, thought-provoking speculative fiction. She worked in family planning and environmental advocacy before turning to writing, experiences that shaped her literary ethos.

Influences and Legacy

• Ecological Activism: Many of Tepper’s novels, including "Grass," are informed by environmental activism.
• Feminist Thought: Tepper’s works often center on the experiences and struggles of women.
• Other Major Works: Her notable books include "The Gate to Women’s Country," "The Margarets," and the "Arbai" trilogy.

Tepper’s impact on science fiction is profound—her willingness to tackle big questions and upend genre conventions paved the way for later eco-feminist writers.

Key Takeaways

• Nature is not ours to control: The environment is complex, unpredictable, and can turn on those who disrespect it.
• Institutions may fail in crisis: Whether religious or political, institutions often cling to power at the expense of truth and progress.
• Understanding the Other is survival: Survival requires empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge assumptions.
• Personal courage is world-changing: One individual’s convictions and choices can shape the future.
• Societal roles are neither fixed nor benign: Gender and class hierarchies are artificial and often destructive.

Reader's Takeaway

"Grass" is a novel that will make you look at lawns—and traditions—with new eyes. It’s a warning about the hubris of humanity, a call to respect what we do not understand, and a celebration of those who dare to question the status quo. Tepper’s world is lush, dangerous, and unforgettable, and her heroine’s journey is at once deeply personal and universally resonant.

For students, "Grass" offers a masterclass in world-building, social critique, and the power of the speculative to illuminate real-world dilemmas. For lecturers, it’s a text that sparks discussion on ecology, gender, and the ethics of power. And for everyone, it’s a story that lingers long after the last page.

Conclusion

Sheri S. Tepper’s "Grass" is a towering achievement—a novel that combines the suspense of a mystery, the grandeur of epic fantasy, and the unsettling questions of great science fiction. It invites readers to step into a world as beautiful as it is deadly, and to confront the hidden costs of tradition, ignorance, and pride.

Whether you’re drawn by its ecological imagination, its feminist perspective, or its chilling vision of power gone awry, "Grass" will challenge, thrill, and haunt you. Don’t just read about the secrets hidden in the tall, swaying grass—dare to discover them for yourself.

Explore further:

• Consider how "Grass" compares to other ecological or feminist science fiction.
• Discuss the role of faith and dogma in shaping societies—on Grass, and on Earth.
• Reflect on what the novel says about humanity’s place in the universe.

"Grass" is more than a book. It’s an invitation to see the world—and ourselves—anew. Happy reading!