- 1. The Grass Is Singing is the debut novel of Doris May Lessing, published in 1950, and it presents a profound exploration of themes such as race, gender, and colonialism in Southern Africa. Set in the early 20th century, the story revolves around Mary Turner, a disillusioned white woman living on a collapsing farm in the harsh African landscape. As her life deteriorates due to the oppressive heat and her deteriorating mental state, Mary embodies the struggles of post-colonial identity and the complexities of her relationships with the locals, particularly the black farm worker, Moses. The novel intricately weaves Mary's personal anguish with the socio-political tensions of the time, ultimately depicting the suffocating nature of her existence and the implications of her choices. Lessing's unflinching narrative style and deep psychological insights make the story not just a commentary on colonial dynamics but also a poignant exploration of loneliness, despair, and the quest for meaning within the desolate conditions of both the physical and emotional landscapes.
Who is the main character in 'The Grass Is Singing'?
A) Mary Turner
B) Martha Smith
C) Susan Collins
D) Jane Eyre
- 2. What is the setting of the novel?
A) America
B) Northern Rhodesia
C) South Africa
D) Southern Rhodesia
- 3. What is the name of Mary’s husband?
A) Dick Turner
B) Peter Turner
C) George Turner
D) John Turner
- 4. What does Mary struggle with throughout the novel?
A) Job security
B) Wealth
C) Isolation
D) Adventure
- 5. What is the state of Mary's marriage?
A) Unhappy
B) Complicated
C) Ideal
D) Exciting
- 6. What societal issues does the novel address?
A) Racism and gender roles
B) Technology
C) Environmentalism
D) Urbanization
- 7. In what year was 'The Grass Is Singing' published?
A) 1960
B) 1950
C) 1945
D) 1970
- 8. What literary style is 'The Grass Is Singing' primarily written in?
A) Fantasy
B) Realism
C) Gothic
D) Romance
- 9. What role does the land play in the story?
A) Source of wealth
B) Place of joy
C) Symbol of oppression
D) Simply a backdrop
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