the grass is singing doris lessing summary

The Grass Is Singing: A Pessimistic Vision by Doris Lessing '1'

Published in 1950, 'The Grass is Singing' was South African author Doris Lessing's first novel. This groundbreaking work carries forward themes that would become a hallmark of her later writing style and cemented its place as an enduring classic of mid-20th-century literature.

Set against the backdrop of post-WWII Rhodesia (modern-day Zimbabwe), 'The Grass is Singing' tells the haunting story of Sarah Furrow, a lonely spinster who has returned to her rural homeland after years spent living in South Africa's cities. With its powerful exploration of themes such as isolation, alienation and disconnection from society, this novel poignantly captures both the individual experience and broader social commentary that would become synonymous with Lessing's writing.

The title itself is a deliberate nod by Doris Lessing to T.S. Eliot’s famous poem 'The Waste Land'. The reference serves not only as an allusion but also as a metaphor for the desolate landscape in which Sarah Furrow finds herself trapped - both physically and emotionally. It evokes images of arid wasteland stretching out towards horizonless skies, mirroring perfectly the bleakness and hopelessness that pervades every aspect of her life.

In 'The Grass is Singing', Doris Lessing skillfully weaves together elements from various sources including anthropology, sociology, mythology and even literature itself to create a rich tapestry that provides an insightful look into human nature. This complex interplay between different disciplines not only adds depth but also serves as another example of how Less than can take seemingly disparate threads and expertly weave them together into something truly remarkable.

Through her masterful use of language, imagery and symbolism, Doris Lessing paints a picture that is both hauntingly beautiful yet ultimately bleak. The novel offers no easy answers or happy endings; instead it leaves the reader with an indelible impression - one that lingers long after finishing reading these pages.

In conclusion, 'The Grass Is Singing' remains today as relevant and powerful now as when first published over 70 years ago. It continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its thought-provoking themes, masterful storytelling and evocative writing style that make it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the human condition through literature.

References:

'1' Douglas, Mary (1966). Purity and Danger: An Analysis of Concepts of Pollution & Taboo. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd.

'2' Eliot, T.S., The Waste Land

The grass is singing doris lessing summary