Born a Crime by Trevor Noah Analysis Essay Example

During a chaotic period where there was apartheid in South Africa in the 1900s, there was a baby that was considered illegal, and later on, he became a successful figure in today’s world. Despite the tough circumstances, where he is technically not supposed to be born, how does he become a successful figure? Trevor Noah, the host of, “The Daily Show”, lived under the apartheid in South Africa, and it only ended when he was 10 years old. In Born a Crime, Trevor Noah develops the theme of resilience through the relationship with his mother, his childhood experiences, and how he portrays his personality. 

To start with, whether or not you like Trevor Noah, his story is very interesting because he portrays it uniquely. “You are never more yourself than when you’re taking a shit” (pg.43). The apartheid in South Africa was not a very bright time for South Africa. It was a tough time for Trevor Noah and his mother as Trevor was born illegally. One could say this is going to be a sad story, however, this quote that Trevor used funnily portrays his personality, adding a silver lining to the book. “Many colored people lived in this limbo, a true purgatory” (pg,119). After the funny statement Trevor made, he later goes back to show the setting clearly, and it’s not a very funny setting. The quote fits the book, as it’s the true reality, however, it shows that Trevor has a unique talent in making something so dark, much brighter. “I soon learned that the quickest way to bridge the race gap was through language” (pg.54). In this quote, we get to see his point of view of how he looks at a situation. Trevor was forced to choose which class he wanted to be a part of, class A with the white kids, or class B with the African kids. This decision shaped his school life and his development of himself. Not everyone is put in this situation, it is a different, unique point of view we get to see explained by Trevor Noah. Continuing, the African kids did not accept him at first, until he found the quickest way to do so, and went with class B, even though many others advised him not to. His resilience said otherwise, and it made the book more interesting.

Having an older figure to look up to, bond with, it’s important which is shown in Born A Crime, Trevor Noah had a very strong bond with his mom, setting him on a good path. “I chose to have you because I wanted something to love and something that would love me unconditionally in return” (pg.63). Trevor Noah’s mom Patricia says something that I believe other caring mothers would say too. It’s a powerful quote, not just to Trevor, but to the audience as well. Father, mother, older sibling, uncle, they’re all older figures and this quote by Patricia highlights the reality of what a caring older figure is. Through all the troubles Trevor and Patricia have gone through, Patricia made it clear why she had him and cares for him. Patricia never gave up on her son, and neither did he with his mom, showing that both of them are resilient. “Everything I have ever done I’ve done from a place of love. If I don’t punish you, the world will punish you even worse” (pg. 2–). Patricia’s relationship with Trevor is very strong, she cares for her son, the quote shows that. She knows the world can be very cruel and can harm her son. Patricia as a mother makes sure her son knows his actions can mess with his life. She never wanted to punish him for entertainment, it was from a place of love. Having an older figure, a parent like Patricia caring for their child is very admirable and should be seen as a necessity in life as it can decide whether their child will go on a good path or a bad path. “They’re trying to discipline you before the system does” (pg.227). Highlighting the reality of the world, where there is law and punishment, Trevor Noah gives his mom’s punishments recognition. The discipline from a good parent comes with reasoning, and it is to save you from getting disciplined by the system. In addition, Trevor and Patricia know they live in a harsh world, and that never stopped them from living their lives. They know what the world can do to people, and Patricia never gave up on her son being able to live his life. 

To begin, Trevor Noah’s childhood, past experiences show the picture of the theme of resilience throughout the book. “I never called my dad, “Dad” (pg.104). In addition, while growing up Trevor Noah only had his mother to look up to for the most part and didn’t have a dad to connect with. Trevor knew of him, but never could get in contact, however, that did not stop Trevor from developing as a person. “Many colored people lived in this limbo, a true purgatory” (pg.119). A deep quote made by Trevor, and it can still be related to today. It fits with the book setting with apartheid and race. Trevor was always in a weird and different spot from most kids growing up, but Trevor still got past everything despite all the trouble. Trevor will most likely always remember this experience of being in a limbo, a purgatory, however, that never made him give up on life. “I saw, more than anything, that relationships are not sustained by violence but by love” (pg.262). A heartwarming quote, but the reason why Trevor said this is not as heartwarming.  Trevor’s experience with his family, including Abel, was a learning but traumatic experience.  Next, this experience Trevor was a part of shows who he is as a person, the resilience and empathy are recognized throughout the entire book.

After reading Born a Crime, Trevor Noah's portrayal of resilience throughout the book is pictured through the relationship with his mother, his childhood experiences, and how he portrays his personality. Never give up even though you are put in the worst position, or have been through traumatic experiences. Trevor Noah has been through a lot, shown in a very unique and interesting way in his memoir, however, his resilience always carried him on. Trevor Noah could’ve been taken away, lose his mom because of his birth, and has gone through many traumatic experiences. Yet he is still here today, living his life, should you and others have an excuse for giving up considering any trouble you may have gone through?