The Grass Is Singing Themes & Symbolism

The Grass Is Singing Significant Topics

Relationships between Blacks and Whites

The novel's principal thematic focus, as well as its central narrative line, are constructed around the issue of racism—in this case, the institutionalized racism of apartheid. As has been previously discussed, the relationships between the Turners and their black workers, particularly the field-hand-turned-house servant Moses, are a microcosm of the relation-ships between blacks and whites in the South Africa of the time. These relationships in turn were founded upon hatred and resentment on both sides, reluctant need on the side of the whites, and increasing frustration and resentment on the side of the blacks. That being said, there are several sides of the white perspective presented here.

While all the white characters essentially despise the black people they are connected with (it was simply the way things were to feel that way), there are varying degrees of aggression with which those feelings are expressed. Mary, her racism intensified by fear...
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