The Illegal

“Keita—a stranger in a strange land whose only transgression was to exist in a place where his presence was illegal.”

Keita is characterized as a morally perfect man whose only motive is to save and protect his family. The author portrays Keita as lacking any flaws to emphasize how cruel it is to treat a person like a criminal simply because they were born somewhere other than where they live. This introduces the theme of Legality Versus Justice.

“But for those who are truly poor, running symbolizes privilege.”

Yoyo teaches Keita that although they are not wealthy, they are better off than many. If Keita has enough food and shoes to run in, then he has more privilege than those who lack such things. As running takes on symbolic weight, it becomes clear that Yoyo is also commenting on the fact that some people lack even the relative “privilege” of a means of escaping dire circumstances.

“Then go see the world, my darling girl. Bet every day on your own abilities, and you’ll be able to do anything you want.”

Charity expresses her desire to be more than just a wife, and her mother supports her. Both Charity and Lena are strong female characters, and Charity does in fact end up becoming a journalist—a symbolically significant choice in a novel that celebrates The Power of Marginalized Voices.