Second Class Citizen Lesson Plan

On the first page of the novel, the narrator mentions that Adah was a disappointment for being born a girl instead of a boy. Why do you think Emecheta includes this detail right away in the book?

Students should note that this detail sets the tone of the novel to reflect the author’s feelings as a woman and feminist. It is meant to call attention to the inherent patriarchal construct of this culture and society that says men and more valuable than women. Bringing this up on the first page immediately provides a concrete way to show present a staunchly patriarchal society. Furthermore, it helps to establish from the start feminism and gender oppression as important...