Serving Elizabeth is a novel by Marcia Johnson that tells the story of a young Canadian woman, Elizabeth, who travels to Kenya in the 1950s to work as a secretary for a wealthy British family. The book explores themes of identity, class, and colonialism, and offers a unique perspective on the experiences of women during this time period.
Historical Context
The novel is set in the 1950s, a time of great change and upheaval in Kenya. The country was still a British colony, and the effects of colonialism were deeply felt by the indigenous population. The novel explores the complexities of colonialism and its impact on the lives of both the colonizers and the colonized. The author, Marcia Johnson, draws on her own experiences living in Kenya to create a rich and nuanced portrait of life in the colony.
Plot Summary
The story follows Elizabeth, a young Canadian woman who travels to Kenya to work as a secretary for a wealthy British family. As she navigates her new life in the colony, Elizabeth must confront the harsh realities of colonialism and the strict social hierarchies that govern life in the colony. Despite the challenges she faces, Elizabeth is determined to make a new life for herself in Kenya and to learn as much as she can about the country and its people.
Through Elizabeth's experiences, the novel explores themes of identity, class, and colonialism. The author examines the ways in which colonialism shapes the lives of both the colonizers and the colonized, and the ways in which it can both unite and divide people. The novel also explores the experiences of women during this time period, and the ways in which they were affected by the social and cultural norms of the colony.
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Elizabeth | The protagonist of the novel, a young Canadian woman who travels to Kenya to work as a secretary. |
| Mr. and Mrs. Harding | The wealthy British family for whom Elizabeth works as a secretary. |
| Kofi | A Kenyan man who becomes a friend and confidant to Elizabeth. |
Themes and Symbolism
The novel explores a number of themes, including identity, class, and colonialism. The author uses symbolism and imagery to convey the complexities of these themes and to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. For example, the character of Elizabeth is often symbolized by the landscape of Kenya, which is depicted as beautiful and unforgiving. This symbolism helps to convey the ways in which Elizabeth is shaped by her experiences in the colony, and the ways in which she is forced to navigate the challenges of her new life.
The novel also explores the theme of colonialism, and the ways in which it shapes the lives of both the colonizers and the colonized. The author examines the ways in which colonialism creates strict social hierarchies and reinforces racism and sexism. The novel also explores the ways in which colonialism can both unite and divide people, and the ways in which it can create complex and nuanced relationships between different groups.
Style and Structure
The novel is written in a lyrical and evocative style, with a strong emphasis on description and imagery. The author uses vivid descriptions of the Kenyan landscape to create a sense of atmosphere and mood, and to convey the beauty and complexity of the country. The novel is also structured in a non-linear fashion, with multiple narrative threads and timelines. This structure helps to create a sense of complexity and nuance, and allows the author to explore different themes and ideas in a flexible and dynamic way.
- The novel is divided into four main sections, each of which explores a different aspect of Elizabeth's experiences in Kenya.
- The author uses a range of narrative techniques, including flashback and foreshadowing, to create a sense of tension and suspense.
- The novel also includes a number of historical and cultural references, which help to create a sense of context and authenticity.
What is the main theme of the novel Serving Elizabeth?
+The main theme of the novel is the exploration of identity, class, and colonialism in 1950s Kenya. The author examines the ways in which colonialism shapes the lives of both the colonizers and the colonized, and the ways in which it can both unite and divide people.
Who is the protagonist of the novel?
+The protagonist of the novel is Elizabeth, a young Canadian woman who travels to Kenya to work as a secretary for a wealthy British family.
What is the historical context of the novel?
+The novel is set in the 1950s, a time of great change and upheaval in Kenya. The country was still a British colony, and the effects of colonialism were deeply felt by the indigenous population.
