The Grass Is Singing

Novel | Doris Lessing

How does Charlie Slatter take control of the murder case of Mary Turner?

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How does Charlie Slatter take control of the murder case of Mary Turner NU Charlie Slatter is the powerful neighbor of the Turners in Doris Lessing s The Grass is Singing When Mary Turner is murdered by Moses he quickly takes charge He controls events protects white society and hides the truth Lessing shows how authority works in colonial Africa through Slatter First on the Scene When farm boys find Mary s body they go first to Charlie Slatter He does not use the telephone Instead he sends a letter to Sergeant Denham This delays the police It also gives Slatter time to act He goes fast to the Turners house He sees Moses in handcuffs Dick Turner mad and Mary s dead body He begins to control everyone around Taking Charge of People Slatter speaks with power He orders Dick into his car He questions Tony Marston harshly Where

were you He shows anger toward Mary s body not pity When Sergeant Denham arrives Slatter stands beside him like a judge Together they silence Marston who wants to tell the truth They warn him not to speak too much In this way Charlie Slatter shapes the story of the murder Protecting White Society For Slatter the murder is not about Mary s tragedy It is about protecting the image of whites He and the Sergeant call it simply A very bad business They refuse to admit that Mary had a human link with Moses Slatter makes sure the case is seen as robbery and nothing more He ensures white settlers stay safe in their reputation He covers up the real cause of Mary s death Charlie Slatter s control of Mary Turner s murder case shows the brutal power of colonial society He hides the truth silences witnesses and protects white authority Mary s death becomes not justice but a cover-up Through Slatter Lessing exposes a system built on fear lies and domination

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