Themes of 'Born a Crime' by Trevor Noah

10 Questions

Which aspect of Noah's identity was strictly defined by law during apartheid in South Africa?

His race

The text suggests that Noah faced discrimination from which groups due to his mixed-race identity?

Black and white communities

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a consequence of Noah's struggles with his identity during apartheid?

Feelings of patriotism towards South Africa

According to the passage, what did Noah's experiences illustrate about the impact of racism on individuals in his position?

The difficulty in finding acceptance anywhere

Based on the information provided, which of the following statements accurately describes the theme of racial prejudice in the book?

Racial prejudice was prevalent even within families and friendships.

What was the primary factor that enabled Noah to overcome the challenges he faced, according to the text?

His mother's unwavering love and support

Which of the following best describes the theme of survival in the book?

Noah's efforts to hide his identity and avoid arrest

What is the main idea conveyed by the statement that 'Born a Crime' is a 'deeply personal and insightful account of one man's journey to find meaning and identity'?

The book is a candid and introspective exploration of Noah's personal experiences and struggles

Which of the following best describes the role of racial prejudice in the context of the book?

Racial prejudice was a significant factor that shaped Noah's experiences and identity

Which of the following best captures the overall message or theme of the book, according to the information provided?

The complexity of navigating racial and societal norms in a divided society

Study Notes

Themes of Born A Crime by Trevor Noah

"Born a Crime" is a memoir written by comedian and television host, Trevor Noah, detailing his life growing up mixed race in apartheid South Africa. The book explores themes of identity, racial prejudice, parental love, and survival against all odds. Here's a closer look at each theme:

Identity

Noah's book provides an intimate account of growing up mixed race during apartheid, when racial identity was strictly defined by law. He discusses how this led him to question his place in society and struggle with self-acceptance, especially when he faced discrimination from both black and white communities. His experiences illustrate the internal turmoil someone in his position might face, trying to discover who they truly are while navigating societal norms shaped by racism.

Racial Prejudice

The themes of racial prejudice run throughout the book, reflecting the realities of living in a country where institutionalized segregation was enforced. Noah shares stories of being ostracized by his own family, ridiculed by teachers, and threatened by strangers based on his skin color. These accounts highlight the deeply ingrained biases that apartheid fostered, even within families and friendships, often making it difficult for individuals like Noah to find acceptance anywhere.

Parental Love

A significant aspect of "Born a Crime" is Noah's relationship with his mother, a woman whose strength and determination enabled her son to survive despite the challenges they faced. Her unwavering love and support gave him the resilience needed to overcome adversity and pursue his dreams. This theme emphasizes the power of parental love in shaping an individual's life, helping them to overcome obstacles and thrive under difficult circumstances.

Survival

The book is also about the sheer determination to survive against all odds. Noah's story is one of resilience, as he recounts how he and his mother had to constantly outsmart the authorities to avoid arrest, how he had to learn to blend in and not draw attention to himself, and how he found solace in books. These experiences underscore the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in overcoming adversity.

In summary, "Born a Crime" is a deeply personal and insightful account of one man's journey to find meaning and identity amidst the complexities of racial prejudice, societal norms, and familial expectations. Through his experiences, Noah paints a vivid picture of life under apartheid and the profound impact it had on the lives of individuals like him.