While a few achieved their goals, many did not. Among those who faced setbacks, some became absorbed in pub culture and married lower-class white women, possibly as a way to cope with their unfulfilled aspirations and the reality of feeling like "second-class citizens."
One notable Nigerian who moved to the UK during this period is Mr. Noble. Adah meets him in the 1960s and learns a lot about his life. He initially came to the UK to study but soon ran out of money. This led him to take a low-paying job as an elevator attendant.
He started drinking and acting out “African tricks” for his white coworkers. Once they asked him to take off his trousers so they could see whether Africans had tails; when he did it, they nicknamed him “Noble” for his loyalty to his friends.
One day, Adah learned that Mr. Noble’s coworkers had dared him to operate the elevator by hand. He listened and this resulted in a severe injury that crushed his arm and left it permanently damaged.
He received compensation from his employer, which he used to purchase a house. However, the three-story home he bought came with two elderly, rent-controlled tenants living on the upper floors.
At the same time, Mr. Noble's wife, Sue, whom he had met at a pub, kept having children. Soon, their family found themselves with too little space and earning very little from rent.
To solve his problems, Mr. Noble concocted a story, telling the tenants that his deceased mother was a witch who would curse them if they didn’t leave. Despite his threats, they refused to move.
However, during the harsh winter of 1962-63, both tenants passed away in quick succession due to the cold, drafty conditions of the house.
Afterwards, Mr. Noble boasted that his dead mother had taken care of his troublesome tenants, which made other Nigerians hesitant to rent the now vacant rooms.
Eventually, Janet suggests to Adah that she should speak with Mr. Noble. Although aware of his notorious reputation, Adah felt compelled to talk to him.
She decides to convince Francis when he wants to sleep with her – she often has hard conversations with him then, when he won’t just run away. He eventually agrees to this.
The next day, they made their way to Mr Noble's house, which appeared small and shabby compared to the neighbouring homes. When they arrived, a bald, elderly Mr. Noble answered the door and let them in.
Mr Noble ushers them in and they walk into the living room full of dirty laundry, children’s toys and an enormous TV. There, they find Mr Noble’s wife, Sue, a big, attractive redhead. Sue greets them and takes Adah’s coat.
Adah realises that her pregnancy is showing and sucks it in, worried that Mr Noble won't rent to them if he knows. They have a cordial conversation
What, according to this chapter, motivated many educated Nigerians to move to the UK in the 1940s? A. The promise of lucrative jobs B. The desire to escape British colonial rule C. The dream of marrying white women D. The opportunity to lead an independent Nigeria.
How did Mr Noble earn his nickname, “Noble
? A. He showed loyalty by helping a coworker in distress B. He operated the elevator by hand C. He took care of elderly tenants in his home D. He followed a humiliating dare from his white coworkers
Why did other Nigerians hesitate to rent rooms in Mr Noble’s house? A. The house was in poor condition B. They feared his mother’s supposed witchcraft C. THey could not afford the high rent he charged D. They dislike his wife, Sue
Why did Adah feel compelled to meet with Mr Noble despite his reputation? A. She trusted Janet’s recommendation B. She believed Mr Noble had changed over the years C. She was desperate to find housing D. His rooms were what she could afford
ANSWERS: 1. D 2. D 3. B 4. C
Discuss Mr Noble as a symbol of the failed Nigerian immigrant.
Describe in detail how Mr Noble came to become a landlord.
