The Dark Child (The African Child) Lesson Plan

Why do you think Camara’s mother disapproves of her son’s behavior entertaining guests in his hut?

Strong responses will note that Camara’s mother is reacting to something much larger than she’s letting on. She makes it seem like it’s about her protecting him from young women with bad reputations, but the truth seems to be that she’s struggling as her son grows more and more independent. Her behavior reflects this. She tries to retain their strong connection and closeness by being extra thoughtful and mothering toward him: she updates his hut to be more European, since that’s what he’s becoming by going to a French school in the capital. And when it seems like he’s...