Born a Crime

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Under apartheid, Noah is governmentally categorized as “colored” (Chapter 2).

• Define the specific meaning of “colored” in apartheid South Africa. What does this mean for Noah, practically speaking? (topic sentence)
• How did this system of categorization affect Noah’s sense of Identity and Race in Apartheid South Africa?
• In your conclusion, discuss how Noah defines the conventions of this label—as a child growing up, but also as an adult.

2. In Chapter 7, Noah tells the story of Fufi, his childhood dog.

• What is the purpose of the story of Fufi? (topic sentence)
• Citing evidence from the text, explain what Noah means when he says that no one betrayed him more than Fufi.
• In your conclusion, explain how the story of Fufi shapes Noah’s understanding of relationships.

3. Religion plays a major role throughout the memoir.

• How does religion both unite and divide Noah and his mom? (topic sentence)
• What are the different types of religion featured in the memoir, and who belongs to which one? Describe where Noah’s mom fits into the picture, and describe her religion in terms of how apartheid affected her Identity.
• In your conclusion, decide if, ultimately, religion is a force that mostly divides or mostly brings together Noah and his mom.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Throughout Born a Crime, under apartheid, Black South Africans are forced to adhere to strict notions regarding Identity and Race. How does Noah’s mom, Patricia, defy racial and gender conventions, both during and after apartheid? Examine the sections of the book, particularly Chapters 1-5 and then Chapters 15-18, where Noah’s mom is featured prominently. How does Patricia compare to other women described in the book?

2. In Chapter 17, Noah quotes Nelson Mandela: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” Explain the relevance of this quote in Noah’s life, citing evidence in the text when Noah calls special attention to Language as a Cultural Tool. How is language used in the book as a force for bonding individuals? How is it used to drive individuals apart?

3. Noah relies heavily on humor throughout the memoir, both in language and style. What effect does this have on the reader? Considering that this is a memoir set in an oppressive South African apartheid regime, much of the humor in the book comes across as quite dark. Should the memoir be read as a comedy, a satire, a tragedy, or something else? Would you characterize Noah’s dark humor as an integral part of his Identity as a South African?