The Grass Is Singing

Novel | Doris Lessing
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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: 2014]

Charlie Slatter is the powerful neighbor of the Turners in Doris Lessing’s (1919–2013) “The Grass is Singing” (1950). 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?”<

/p> 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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Doris Lessing
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from The Grass Is Singing