Second-Class Citizen Themes
- Racism and prejudice: The novel presents many examples of the discrimination that affects Adah because she is Black.
- Gender roles and misogyny: Adah is denied education and independence by society—in both Nigeria and the UK—and her husband due to her gender.
- Motherhood: Though motherhood presents a burden for Adah as the sole earner of her household with Francis, she also feels deep love for and commitment to her children.
- Immigration: Second-Class Citizen paints a realistic portrait of the struggles of immigration.
What is the theme of second class citizen by Charles Dickens?
Analysis of The Theme of Irresponsible Husbandhood in Second Class Citizen Francis marries early in his life. It is not clear if the manner he comports himself as a husband is because he takes on such a responsibility so early in life. Adah considers herself lucky marrying Francis who was not an old baldy, neither was he a 'made man' then..."
How does second-class citizen present feminism in the novel?
Thus Adah's feminist hot-headedness is well established in the novel, particularly when she dismantles her marriage with Francis, and goes on to hire a two-bedroom apartment, the first of such space since she arrives England, Second-Class Citizen presents racism and prejudice as barriers to Adah as she attempts to achieve her dreams.
What are the effects of second-class citizenship?
While not necessarily slaves, outlaws or criminals, second-class citizens have limited legal rights, civil rights and socioeconomic opportunities, and are often subject to mistreatment or neglect at the hands of their putative superiors. Systems with de facto second-class citizenry are generally regarded as violating human rights.
What is the meaning of second class citizen?
For the usage in computer science, see First-class citizen. A second-class citizen is a person who is systematically discriminated against within a state or other political jurisdiction, despite their nominal status as a citizen or legal resident there.
What is the theme of motherhood in second class citizen?
The theme of motherhood in Second Class Citizen is brought across through Adah's determination to care for her children, no matter how difficult her circumstances become. She refuses to take the easy way out and place them into foster care.
What is the theme of marriage without love in second class citizen?
Analysis of The Theme of Marriage Without Love in Second Class Citizen. The marriage between Adah and Francis is not founded on genuine love. Both of them seem to have stuck to each other on the basis of convenience. Adah sticks to Francis as she has no relative kind enough to take her in.
What is the concept of the book second class citizen?
A poignant story of a resourceful Nigerian woman who overcomes strict tribal domination of women and countless setbacks to achieve an independent life for herself and her children, the novel is often described as semi-autobiographical, with the journey from Nigeria to London following closely Emecheta's own trajectory ...
What are the styles used in second class citizen?
Some elements of style used in Buchi Emecheta's Second Class Citizen are:Language/Diction. The language of the novel is simple and easy to understand. ... Point of View/Narrative Technique. The story is told from the third person point of view. ... Euphemism. ... Tone. ... The use of Imagery.
Why is the novel called Second Class Citizen?
Adah feels crushed by some of the things Francis tells her about life in England for Black immigrants. He says that Adah can no longer expect to be treated like an elite, as she began to feel in Lagos with her respectable job and connection to Americans; she is now a “second-class citizen.”
What is the setting of the second class?
The novel begins in Lagos, Nigeria's largest city. This is where Adah is born and raised, where she attends school, and where she meets Francis. Her parents believe that Lagos is a "bad place" (7) because they do not want their children to pick up a Yoruba accent.
Why did Adah marry Francis?
Adah Gets Married to Francis Obi To be clear, the teenage Adah's primary motive for her decision to get married is to be able to have the opportunity to attend university. In fact, Francis is too poor to even afford the bride price. But that is not of any concern to the determined and resourceful Adah.
Is Second Class Citizen a tragedy?
Second-Class Citizen is a tragedy that enlightens and reminds us of the plight of the female gender and the black race.
What is Second Class Citizen conflict?
The Big Fight in Second Class Citizen can also be referred to as the fight after the separation. It refers to Francis's most audacious violent assault on Adah in Buchi Emecheta's novel. And it is fair to say that it represents one of the biggest conflicts in the plot of Second Class Citizen.
What is irony in second class citizens?
Dramatic irony is built into the title and plot of Second-Class Citizen, for readers know that Adah will face severe prejudice when she moves to England even though she does not realize it.
What is the role of Adah?
The role of Adah Ofili in Second-Class Citizen is, on one hand, being a dutiful daughter, ward, wife, and mother. On the other hand, her role is to showcase independence and taking control of one's life, even in the most trying of circumstances.
What is literary devices in a story?
A literary device is a writing technique that writers use to express ideas, convey meaning, and highlight important themes in a piece of text. A metaphor, for instance, is a famous example of a literary device.
What is theme of domestic violence in Second Class Citizen?
Another important fact to note about the theme of domestic violence in this novel is that it is not just about physical beatings a husband metes out to his wife and children. The domestic violence we are talking about in Second Class Citizen also relates to sexual violence. And it is still Francis who is the culprit.
What is the conflict in Second Class Citizen?
The Big Fight in Second Class Citizen can also be referred to as the fight after the separation. It refers to Francis's most audacious violent assault on Adah in Buchi Emecheta's novel. And it is fair to say that it represents one of the biggest conflicts in the plot of Second Class Citizen.
What obstacles Adah have to overcome in her quest for personal development?
The obstacles Adah must overcome in her quest for personal development include gender discrimination, the untimely death of Pa, her father, violence in an abusive marriage, racial discrimination, and a lot more.
The Plight of the Oppressed
The title of the book itself indicates what is likely to be its overarching theme and, indeed, that likelihood becomes a reality. As with the author’s entire body of work, this book is overwhelmingly concerned with exposing the difficulties of being part of an oppressed member of society.
Marriage as Tyranny
The portrait of marriage presented in the novel is anything but the fairy tale happily-ever-after great illusion of romance.
Systemic Anti-Immigrant Prejudice
Focusing on British policies in particular, the novel is unblinkered presentation of how deep and widespread anti-immigrant feelings run among the natives.
What is the theme of the book "Feminism"?
This novel has many points in the narration where the heroine tries to question a poor treatment of females, assumptions about them or their being taken for granted. On the very first page of the novel, the narrator informs that Adah "arrived when everyone was expecting and predicting a boy." (p. 7). This indicates that society places more premium on the male than on the female. The narrator further remarks that the failure of Adah's parents to record her birthday is because "she was such a disappointment to her parents, to her immediate family, to her tribe..." (p. 7). Rather than encourage Adah to take up education, she being older, Boy her younger brother is taken to school. As for the girl, "a year or two would do, as long as she can write her name and count” (p. 9). This is not acceptable to Adah who not only forces herself into Mr Cole's class, but has to tell lies to obtain the two shillings to afford the cost of the entrance form.
What are Okonkwo's social ambitions?
Okonkwo’s social ambitions require money. He permits Aku-nna to continue her education because it will increase her bride price, which will now go to him, but he has no interest in her personal wishes. Meanwhile, Akunna and Chike, her schoolmaster, fall in love, but Chike, the descendant of slaves, is subordinated and limited by traditional views as well. When Aku-nna can no longer hide that she is menstruating, and thus marriageable, Okonkwo, in a display of male power, tells her that she must let her friendship with Chike die. Aku-nna is kidnapped for marriage by Okoboshi, a classmate, in a tradition that is tolerated by Igbo society, but she is rejected by him when she falsely claims that she is not a virgin. She is able to escape with Chike, marries him, but dies giving birth to a daughter.
What is the prejudice in Emecheta?
Emecheta also depicts prejudice among Nigerian immigrants in London, where Yoruba and Ibo people adopt suspicious and stereotypical views toward one another. The Yoruba people even think Ibos are cannibals. Late in the novel, Adah must hide from a Yoruba landlord that she is Ibo in order to rent rooms for her and the children.
What is a second class citizen?
t. e. A second-class citizen is a person who is systematically discriminated against within a state or other political jurisdiction, despite their nominal status as a citizen or legal resident there. While not necessarily slaves, outlaws, illegal immigrants, or criminals, second-class citizens have limited legal rights, ...
Is Latvian citizenship considered a second class citizen?
Latvian non-citizens constitute a group similar to second-class citizens. Although they are not considered foreigners (they hold no other citizenship, have Latvian IDs), they have reduced rights compared to full citizens. For example, non-citizens are not eligible to vote or hold public office.
Who is the architect of domestic violence in Second Class Citizen?
The principal architect of domestic violence in Second Class Citizen is Francis Obi. Francis is Adah’s husband and the father of her children. A short time after his arrival in England, he invited Adah to join him. He hopes that, together, they can achieve their dreams for their young family.
How does Francis's shameless behaviour affect the children?
Francis’s shameless behaviour has affected the emotional well-being of the children too. They too receive their share of the violence- both physical and emotional. Like Adah, Titi and Vicky have no other choice but to watch helplessly as their father brutally assaults their mother.
