The Grass is Singing is set in 1940s Rhodesia (present-day Zimbabwe). As such, racism and exploitation are present in the novel, though there are no overly graphic depictions. It is mentioned in passing that a native man was killed and the killer was only fined $30. There is also an incident between two of the main characters in which one hits the other across the face with a whip. Sex/sexuality is alluded to but not directly mentioned.
The thought questions in this lesson plan provide material and ideas that students can use to write short original essays and to develop their powers of analysis. The questions provided for the final paper are most suitable for student essays. For the...