Essay Questions

How does Ayana Mathis explore the theme of thievery in the novel The Unsettled?

One of the central themes in the novel is thievery. Influential individuals and corporations are taking advantage of the weak to manipulate them. For instance, the white folks in Alabama town are grabbing land from the natives. Dutchess is scared of losing her remaining 1000 acres of land to a company called Progress Corp. Influential people and businesses are scheming to steal land from the locals without paying them.

How paradoxical is the character Abemi, and what lessons do readers learn from him?

Abemi's decisions are ironic because he does the contrary when he chases his wife and young son to fend for themselves in the streets. Instead of being responsible and caring, Abemi is an alcoholic and irresponsible. As a result, his family suffers for no good reason. Making matters worse, Abemi does not follow up to inquire about Toussaint's well-being. The lesson readers learn from Abemi is the significance of being responsible and executing your roles as required.

What is the central conflict in The Unsettled by Ayana Mathis?

The central conflict in the novel is between Ava and her mother. Ava believes her mother is a wealthy woman who should give her inheritance. On the other hand, Dutchess believes in hard work, not free things. Dutchess does not take the blame for Ava's miserable life. Instead, Dutchess believes Ava is living according to her choices, and the consequences she is going through are her problems.