Noughts and Crosses

Noughts and Crosses

by

Malorie Blackman

Noughts and Crosses: Chapter 67 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Sephy is shocked when she receives a subpoena to appear in court on Monday. Minnie says this is what happens when you hang out with noughts. To Sephy’s surprise, Mother tells Minnie to be quiet so she at least looks intelligent. Mother’s expression is still serious, though, and she says this is why she warned Sephy to stay away from Callum. This is going to destroy Mr. Hadley’s reputation. When Sephy insists it’s not her fault, Mother snaps that Sephy will get fleas if she lies down with dogs and stalks away.
Both Minnie and Mother espouse the idea that noughts are naturally criminals, and that anyone who associates with them is going to be drawn in. And it’s extremely racist when Mother invokes the saying about getting fleas if one lies with dogs—that likens noughts to dirty, parasite-infested animals. To Sephy, this is absurd. She sees Callum as an individual person, not as a collection of negative stereotypes.
Themes
Racism, Division, and Tragedy Theme Icon
Friendship Theme Icon