Prejudice/Racism

At the time in which A.J. Mayhew's The Dry Grass of August is set, Negroes were often considered to be less than equal to the Caucasian. This applies in all circumstances, regardless of religion, gender or class. Many of the characters, particularly the older ones, see this as a way of life and see nothing wrong with treating the Negroes as nothing more than fixtures. There are many instances where the Negroes are servants and others where they are seen as those who are trying to rise above the past, and still others who simply accept their lot in life.

Racism is the main theme in the book. In 1954 Charlotte, North Carolina and the rest of the South there are no longer such things as slaves. However, the "help" are not far removed. African-Americans are still considered to be low class if they are considered to...