Mr. Noble Character Analysis in Second Class Citizen

Mr. Noble is Adah and Francis’s second landlord in London. A Nigerian man who immigrated to England in the 1940s, prior to Nigerian independence, he failed to achieve his educational goals, was injured attempting a silly stunt at his job as an elevator repairman, and used his compensation to buy a three-story house. He has difficulty attracting Nigerian tenants because of a story he spread that his dead mother, a witch, murdered the original rent-controlled tenants he inherited when he bought the house. He is married to Sue, a much younger white woman.

Mr. Noble Character Timeline in Second Class Citizen

The timeline below shows where the character Mr. Noble appears in Second Class Citizen. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Culture vs. Individual Freedom Theme Icon

One such Nigerian man who immigrated to the UK in the 1940s and stayed is Mr. Noble . Adah meets him in the 1960s and hears many stories about him, but the... (full context)

One day—so Adah hears— Mr. Noble ’s coworkers dared him to operate the elevator by hand, which led to his arm... (full context)

When Mr. Noble subsequently bragged that his dead mother had killed his previous tenants, other Nigerians became unwilling... (full context)

The next day, Adah and Francis walk to Mr. Noble ’s house, which is small and shabby compared to the neighboring houses. Francis has to... (full context)

...effusively. After Sue takes Adah’s coat, Adah realizes that her pregnancy is showing. Worried that Mr. Noble won’t rent to them if he sees it, she sucks in her stomach. Sue knowingly... (full context)

...She is relieved that her children will have something for Christmas now, as Sue and Mr. Noble have bought their own children many presents on an installment plan. Adah is shocked by... (full context)

...and information about the Family Planning Clinic’s hours. At home, while Francis was downstairs with Mr. Noble and Sue, Adah read the literature and decided the Pill is her best option, since... (full context)

...all the neighbors to pay witness to Adah’s horrible behavior. Adah is actually happy when Mr. Noble appears, because his presence makes Francis stop beating her. She considers calling the police but... (full context)

...his wife mere weeks after she gave birth, even though her work supports their family. Mr. Noble intervenes, telling Francis that he shouldn’t hit Adah, who is unwell. Mr. Noble sends the... (full context)

...“a wicked child who enjoys tormenting a live animal given to him as a pet.” Mr. Noble requests that they move out because he’s sick of their fighting. When Adah goes to... (full context)