Psychosexual Confrontation: A Freudian Reading of The Grass is Singing

Abstract

The Grass is Singing is a complex psychological and social analysis. It explores the human psyche presenting a commentary on race relation in imperial Rhodesia. It is viewed as an exposition of the timeless dichotomy of culture and nature and its impact on the characters. The present thesis makes a study of Mary, the protagonist, exploring her psyche through Freudian psychoanalysis. She is made to realize her sexuality and sex by the White male dominated society which she negates and accepts at the same time, is the manifestation of her psychosexual conflict. Dick, her husband, neglects her desire that leads her to extend her relation with Moses, the black boy, but fails to have completion due to the interference of a racist society. The strained relation between them creates a conflict and finally results in Mary’s murder by Moses.