"The Grass is Singing" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

"The Grass Is Singing" is a novel by Doris Lessing that explores the lives and relationships of characters in colonial Rhodesia. The protagonist, Mary Turner, is a white farmer's wife who experiences a tragic fate. Other significant characters include Mary's husband, Dick Turner, and the black servant, Moses.

Character Descriptions

Mary Turner

Mary Turner is the central character in the novel and the white farmer's wife. She is described as a plain and lonely woman, trapped in a loveless marriage. As the story progresses, her mental and emotional state deteriorates, leading to a tragic outcome.

Dick Turner

Dick Turner is Mary's husband and a white farmer. He is depicted as a harsh and unemotional character, more interested in the success of his farm than in his marriage. Dick shows little affection for Mary and fails to understand her needs and desires.

Moses

Moses is a black servant who works for the Turners. He is portrayed as timid and subservient, always ready to cater to the needs of the white farmers. Moses plays a pivotal role in the story, providing both physical and emotional support to Mary.

Mrs. Saunders

Mrs. Saunders is Dick's aunt, who lives with the Turners. She is characterized as a bitter and resentful woman who despises the African population. Mrs. Saunders constantly criticizes Mary and exacerbates her feelings of isolation and discontent.

Charlie Slatter

Charlie Slatter is a white farmer and Dick's employer. He is depicted as a friendly and jovial character, providing a stark contrast to the harsh realities of colonial life. Charlie's friendship with Dick and Mary adds a subtle layer of tension to the story.

Tony Marston

Tony Marston is another white farmer who employs Dick. He is described as a boisterous and opinionated man. Tony's interactions with Mary reveal the racial prejudices and power dynamics prevalent in the colonial society.

Character Traits

Mary Turner

• Lonely
• Isolated
• Depressed
• Desperate
• Submissive

Dick Turner

• Harsh
• Emotionally distant
• Ambitious
• Unsympathetic
• Oblivious

Moses

• Subservient
• Loyal
• Compassionate
• Patient
• Supportive

Mrs. Saunders

• Resentful
• Prejudiced
• Bitter
• Judgemental
• Critical

Charlie Slatter

• Friendly
• Jovial
• Amiable
• Relaxed
• Easy-going

Tony Marston

• Boisterous
• Opinionated
• Racist
• Arrogant
• Superior

Character Background

Mary Turner

Mary Turner grew up in a small English village and married Dick Turner, a white farmer, in hopes of a better life. She moved to Rhodesia, where the couple struggled to establish a successful farm. Mary's upbringing and lack of social connections contribute to her feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Dick Turner

Dick Turner is a British expatriate who came to Rhodesia seeking opportunities. He inherited his farm from his father and is determined to make it prosperous. Dick is ambitious and driven by financial success, often neglecting his wife's emotional well-being.

Moses

Moses is a local African man who has worked for the white farmers of Rhodesia for most of his life. He serves as a reminder of the racial divide and social hierarchy in colonial society. Moses has witnessed the oppression and discrimination faced by black individuals, and his experiences shape his character.

Mrs. Saunders

Mrs. Saunders is Dick Turner's aunt, who moved in with the Turners after the death of her husband. She resents the African population and believes in upholding the racial hierarchy. Mrs. Saunders' background in England and her exposure to colonial attitudes contribute to her deep-seated prejudices.

Charlie Slatter

Charlie Slatter is a fellow white farmer who becomes friends with Mary and Dick Turner. He has a relaxed and easy-going personality, which contrasts with the harsh realities of colonial life. Charlie's background is similar to Dick's, hailing from England in search of better opportunities.

Tony Marston

Tony Marston is another white farmer in the region who employs Dick Turner. He holds strong racial prejudices and often expresses them openly. Tony's background and upbringing contribute to his arrogance and superiority complex.

Character Arcs

Mary Turner

Mary's character arc follows a tragic trajectory. Initially, she longs for love and companionship, but as her marriage deteriorates and her isolation deepens, she descends into mental instability. Mary's final act, driven by desperation and a longing for freedom, leads to her own demise.

Dick Turner

Dick's character arc is characterized by his obsession with success and wealth. Throughout the narrative, he remains emotionally distant from Mary, prioritizing his farming aspirations. Dick's arc culminates in a moment of realization and guilt after Mary's tragic end, leading him to confront his own failures as a husband.

Moses

Moses' character arc showcases his transformation from a submissive servant to someone willing to challenge the status quo. As he witnesses Mary's suffering, Moses begins to question the unjust treatment of black individuals. Ultimately, he emerges as a symbol of resistance, offering support and comfort to Mary.

Relationships

Mary and Dick Turner

Mary and Dick's relationship is marked by emotional distance and unfulfilled desires. Their marriage lacks love and intimacy, with Dick's focus on his farm leaving Mary increasingly isolated and depressed. Their inability to connect sets the stage for Mary's tragic downfall.

Mary and Moses

Mary and Moses develop a complex bond based on mutual understanding and support. Moses acts as a confidant and caretaker for Mary, offering solace in her darkest moments. Their relationship challenges the racial hierarchy and becomes a source of strength for Mary.

Mary and Mrs. Saunders

Mary's strained relationship with Mrs. Saunders exacerbates her feelings of isolation. Mrs. Saunders criticizes Mary's every move, deepening her insecurities and contributing to her mental decline. Their interactions highlight the racial tensions and prejudices of the colonial society.

Mary and Charlie Slatter

Mary's friendship with Charlie Slatter provides a brief respite from her troubled marriage. Charlie's kind and jovial nature offers Mary a glimpse of happiness and companionship. However, their friendship also raises questions about Dick's jealousy and the complexities of relationships within the colonial setting.

Dick Turner and Tony Marston

Dick and Tony's relationship represents the power dynamics and racial prejudices present in colonial Rhodesia. While they are both white farmers, Dick is subordinate to Tony as his employee. Tony's overt racism and arrogance underscore the prevailing attitudes of the time.

In conclusion, "The Grass Is Singing" delves into the lives of its characters, showcasing their backgrounds, relationships, and arcs. Mary's tragic fate, Dick's realization, and Moses' transformation make for a compelling exploration of love, loneliness, and racial dynamics in the context of colonial Africa.