Questions and Answers
What main conflict is explained in Chapter 1?
What illegal circumstances surrounded Trevor's birth?
Trevor was born to a white Swiss man named Robert and his mother, which was illegal.
In Chapter 3, who were the main influences in Trevor's childhood?
Trevor's mother Patricia, his grandmother Frances, and his great-grandmother Koko.
Trevor realized that language could be used to ________ racism and to blend into different groups.
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What major educational disparity is described in Chapter 5?
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In Chapter 6, Trevor's mother often punished him harshly.
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What incident occurred regarding animals in Chapter 7?
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How did Trevor's perception of his father change by Chapter 8?
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What abuse did Trevor face from other children under the Mulberry tree?
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What unfortunate event happened to Trevor on Valentine's Day in Chapter 10?
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What led to Trevor’s notoriety at Sandringham high school?
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What consequence did Trevor face after a shoplifting incident in Chapter 13?
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What business venture did Trevor undertake with his computer in Chapter 14?
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Study Notes
Chapter 1 - Run
- Conflict exists between Zulu and Xhosa tribes, highlighting cultural differences.
- Trevor's mother, a Xhosa, experiences harsh treatment from a Zulu taxi driver for traveling without a man.
- A critical moment occurs when Trevor is thrown out of a moving taxi by his mother during a church trip.
Chapter 2 - Born a Crime
- South Africa's apartheid history is introduced, detailing colonization and racial laws.
- Trevor's mother escapes home to Johannesburg, bearing Trevor with a white Swiss man, an act deemed illegal under apartheid.
- Social restrictions force Trevor to stay indoors and isolate during family visits in Soweto.
Chapter 3 - Trevor, Pray
- South Africa's culture blends Christianity with traditional beliefs in witchcraft.
- Introduces Trevor's family: his bipolar grandfather, grandmother, and great-grandmother, emphasizing matriarchal household leadership.
- Trevor's childhood includes communal prayers after his misdeeds, reflecting the strong influence of religion in his life.
Chapter 4 - Chameleon
- Trevor realizes the power of language in bridging racial divides and belonging.
- Experiences preferential treatment as a mixed-race child, invited to funerals and treated better than full black cousins.
- At school, Trevor feels more comfortable among black peers and requests to transfer to a lower-tier class.
Chapter 5 - The Second Girl
- Patricia, Trevor's mother, faced hardships with food scarcity and a challenging childhood after her parents' divorce.
- Her determination to provide Trevor with a better life includes teaching him English and instilling the value of curiosity and possibility.
- Experiences together, like car adventures, symbolize their bond and hope beyond poverty.
Chapter 6 - Loopholes
- An examination of apartheid's illogical racial classifications, revealing societal biases.
- Trevor's mischievous childhood, including playful vandalism and formal letter exchanges with his mother, showcases their dynamic.
- Moments of punishment often arise from love and guidance, reflective of their deep bond.
Chapter 7 - Fufi
- Controversial beliefs about cats in black communities are highlighted through an anecdote about Trevor’s family and their cats.
- After moving to a colored neighborhood, Patricia faced hostility toward their pets, reflecting the community's superstitions.
- Trevor learns poignant lessons about love and ownership following the betrayal of his dog, Fufi.
Chapter 8 - Robert
- Trevor's relationship with his father remains a mystery until Trevor is encouraged to contact him at age 24.
- Before Trevor's birth, Robert operated an integrated restaurant, challenging racial boundaries and facing consequences.
- Their reunion reveals a parallel admiration; Robert had followed Trevor’s life from afar, symbolizing deep familial ties.
Chapter 9 - The Mulberry Tree
- Mixed-race children struggle with identity, often worse off than black children socially during apartheid.
- Trevor recalls a painful experience of bullying, followed by a desire for revenge, ultimately leading to empathy for his aggressor.
- This chapter highlights the emotional complexities of childhood and the search for belonging.
Chapter 10 - A Young Man's Education in Affairs of the Heart, Part I: Valentine's Day
- Trevor’s mother educates him about relationships, emphasizing emotional intelligence over typical male pursuits.
- His first Valentine’s Day experience is marked by disappointment when his crush chooses another boy over him.
- Reflects the awkwardness and desire for acceptance in young romantic endeavors.
Chapter 11 - Outsider
- To avoid embarrassment, Trevor removes his uniform while pushing his mother's car, showcasing his socioeconomic struggles.
- His transition to Sandringham high school sees him navigating social dynamics, known for his speed but lacking belonging.
- Trevor adapts by blending into various groups, underscoring his chameleonic nature.
Chapter 12 - A Young Man's Education in Affairs of the Heart, Part II: The Crush
- Trevor’s severe acne during puberty hinders his popularity with girls despite his humor and friendship with Zaheera.
- Regrets accumulate regarding his hesitance to ask Zaheera out, compounded by her eventual move to America.
- Demonstrates themes of longing, missed opportunities, and unexpressed feelings in adolescence.
Chapter 13 - Colorblind
- Trevor befriends Teddy, a domestic worker's son, highlighting racial and class divides in their friendship.
- A shoplifting incident underscores the differences in racial treatment by authorities, with Trevor evading consequences.
- The chapter reflects on privilege and systemic racism as Trevor navigates the complexities of friendship.
Chapter 14 - A Young Man's Education in Affairs of the Heart, Part II: The Dance
- Trevor's entrepreneurial spirit emerges through selling pirated CDs, showcasing resourcefulness in his youth.
- His disastrous prom experience is marred by miscommunication and mutual misunderstanding, despite initial excitement.
- Operations around the prom highlight misunderstandings and cultural challenges in romantic encounters.
Chapter 15 - Go Hitler!
- Not provided, but likely addresses humorous or critical reflections on identity and societal perceptions.
Chapter 16 - The Cheese Boys
- Not provided, but may involve insights into Trevor's interactions with social groups or challenges faced in relationships.
Chapter 17 - The World Doesn't Love You
- Not provided, but could explore personal challenges relating to identity, acceptance, and resilience.
Chapter 18 - My Mother's Life
- Not provided, but likely focuses on Patricia's backstory, sacrifices, and the impact of her life on Trevor's upbringing.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the first six chapters of Trevor Noah's 'Born a Crime'. Explore the conflicts, influences, and educational disparities outlined in these early sections while analyzing the themes of language and identity. This quiz covers key events and characters that shaped Noah's childhood experiences.
