Born a Crime Video Summary
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
- Visit us at www.gradesaver... to read the full video transcript and our study guide for this classic novel, which includes a full list of characters, themes, and much more.
Trevor Noah's Born a Crime is a memoir about growing up in South Africa at the end of Apartheid. Born of a black mother and white father, in a time when interracial sex was illegal, the young Trevor was literally “born a crime.” Noah begins his book with this historical context, explaining how apartheid relied on creating artificial divisions between groups of people so that the white colonial elite could maintain their power.
At the start of the memoir, Noah tells a funny anecdote from his boyhood. His mother, Patricia Noah, was a deeply religious woman and took her sons to three different church services on Sundays-one Black, one White, and one mixed. One Sunday, with their car broken down, they caught a minibus to get home, but the driver threatened and insulted them. Afraid for their safety, Patricia opened the door, pushed Trevor out, and then leapt after him with his baby brother-all while the minibus was still moving! They ran to a nearby gas station and phoned the police.
We soon learn that Noah's mother was born into a Black South African family that belonged to the Xhosa tribe. She was determined and independent and as a young woman moved to Johannesburg on her own. There, she met Robert, a Swiss-German expat and the man who would be Trevor's father. Patricia and Robert had to hide their relationship; Patricia would dress up as a maid when she visited Robert, so that no one would suspect them.
Trevor was born, a light-skinned, mixed-race child; he spent much of his early years isolated and hidden, in order to protect his parents from arrest. When he and his mother went out in Joubert Park in Johannesburg, a caretaker would walk with Trevor while Patricia trailed behind them. Patricia and Robert remained friends and Trevor visited his father every week.
Trevor also spent much time in his grandmother's house in the black neighborhood of Soweto, where he grew up mostly among women. Although he was happy, he played alongside the sounds of gunshots, screams, and tear gas firing into crowds.
Trevor was a rambunctious child and his mother often disciplined him strictly, but they also had a very loving relationship. Patricia encouraged Trevor to be a curious and independent thinker who reflected critically, asked lots of questions, and thought for himself. She enrolled him in a private Catholic school, where Trevor often got in trouble for challenging rules and questioning authority.
When Trevor was around six, his mother started dating a charismatic mechanic named Abel, who lived above the garage of a white family. Patricia and Trevor sometimes stayed with him. One day, when Trevor was seven, he and another little boy were playing together with a magnifying glass and matches, burning words into pieces of wood. Suddenly, they set a mattress on fire! Soon enough, the fire spread and consumed the entire house.
The young Trevor was not punished, but the white family kicked Abel out. He moved in with Trevor and his mother. Eventually Patricia and Abel decided to marry. Trevor didn't trust his new stepfather, and the birth of his half-brother Andrew, further complicated the family dynamics.
Meanwhile, Trevor felt profoundly isolated and was often the target of bullying. One day, a group of older boys threw mulberries at him. When Trevor told Abel, he realized he could manipulate Abel's anger to get revenge. Sure enough, Abel caught one of the boys and whipped him with a tree branch. Watching the violence, Trevor experienced first pleasure and then horror.
Trevor was kicked out of Catholic school and transferred to a public school at the end of the sixth grade. While he felt most comfortable with Black students, he didn't fit in well with any specific group. His mother's family and other residents of Soweto treated him differently as well because of his light skin and perfect English. Living in the primarily colored neighborhood of Eden Park, he was considered either too black or too white. Trevor honed his language skills and could code switch easily, learning to move fluidly between communities.
Meanwhile, Abel had experienced serious economic troubles after trying to start his own car repair shop. Patricia provided money to help him, but Abel's problems with alcohol made him irresponsible and the business failed. Abel began to physically abuse Patricia, Trevor, and their pets.
To cut their losses, Abel sold the shop and they moved to a primarily white neighborhood called Highlands North. Patricia legally divorced Abel but continued to live with him, supporting the family with her income while he drank more and more heavily.
whoever drew these images did a decent job at painting what Mzansi (SA) is like
I was thinking the same.
Trevor went through so MUCH pain yet, he is constantly smiling and making others laugh! What a WONDERFUL human being!😊🙌🏽
He have a bit of his mother, always see the good side, "see the good side now your the best looking in the family"
Words cannot express how thankful I am for this video being released.
This morning is the first day of school I just completely forgot about the book. Thx for the video. Saving my life
haha✨ I don’t wanna write this essay
Same
If only we spent more time actually reading the book. It seems dope and is written by a hilarious man. If only we were more responsible.
Why it’s such a good book
Same omg
The book is so good tho
Students are really lucky to be able to read this book at school meanwhile I read it just for fun lol
Saint.__ovo what do you think Trevors argument is of this story
Not fun when u gotta finish 100pages in one sitting
@@fahralyacoub8970 we did 17 chapter questions about it. After we read it!! But the Story is really fun to listen to.
Im reading it for school lol
It truly is a good book ! I absolutely loved it !
Nice summary. Wow. I didn’t realize students were taking tests on this in school already. I’ve been out of school for quite some time now.
yes
I probably have to write a whole essay on this the first day of school tomorrow I am so grateful for this bc this whole summer I forgot about it I know it didn't cover all major important parts but hopefully it was enough thank you so much
I thought this book was going to be political and force beliefs but I was surprised how it really brought to light the trouble of growing up with a complicated family and being light skinned.
Reading it for my composition class for college class and i love it sooo much. Amazing book! First book i actually read by myself 😂
literally me right now, just finished the book now, my first ever book ive actually read but its for school, still loved it so
much
Teacher made us read this and Im glad she did.
Who else is here because they have to write a essay
Trevor you were born a crime, but your strength & resilience is impeccable.
I just watched your 3 comedy specials on Netflix, I had too many belly laughs..
Was enjoying this book but I read way too slow for how school is expecting me to read, so I'm here now I guess.
You forgot to talk about trevor's time in prison. Great summary btw
cocoa butter when did he go to prison
@@jphustle6909 he got pulled over by the cops when he was borrowing his stepdads car and was sent to jail
that was a holding cell, not prison
@@MelissaAnonz ok thank you
@@KedousY thank god I saw this lmao thank you
I have a group discussion on this book in half an hour and I haven't read a page yet
This story is so interesting
i'm listening to the summary because i'm not about to watch a whole 14 minute video just for school
Y everyone gotta fresh cut tho?
I went to the same high school at Trevor Noah
Good summary, though there were some good things left out,
such as ?
THANK YOU
I need to think of 3 open ended questions but i cant think of any
How did Trevor's mom feel about needing to hide her relationship with Trevor's father? How do you think the father felt? How do you think Trevor felt? There you go... 🙋🏻♀️
Thanks mate you saved me some time on my test hopefully i can get at least a B-
What grade did you get?
@@someonehangingout2276 I am Taylor's friend. Unfortunately the day before the big test he died in a car crash. D:
@@cobanks bruh he posted a vid like a week ago
Why tf would you Joke about Something like that@@cobanks
see im over here at the end of the book unit not once touched the book or the assignments listening to this so i can binge work them all
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
Summary
Born a Crime is a memoir by comedian Trevor Noah, chronicling his experiences growing up in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa. The title reflects Noah’s unique position as a biracial child born during apartheid, when relationships between Black and white people were illegal. Through a series of personal anecdotes, Noah explores themes of race, identity, resilience, and family, all told with his characteristic humor and insight. The book highlights the challenges he faced due to his mixed-race heritage and celebrates the influence of his fearless, loving, and fiercely independent mother, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah.
Story Structure
1. Beginning/Exposition
• Introduction of Trevor Noah’s Background:
• Born to a Black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss father in apartheid-era South Africa, Trevor’s very existence was illegal under the Immorality Act.
• He spent much of his early childhood hidden indoors to avoid being taken away by authorities.
• Noah introduces the oppressive systems of apartheid, explaining how they shaped his family’s lives.
• Introduction of Key Characters:
• Trevor Noah: The narrator and protagonist, whose mixed heritage makes him an outlier in both Black and white communities.
• Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah: Trevor’s deeply religious, resourceful, and strong-willed mother, who plays a central role in his upbringing and values.
• Robert Noah: Trevor’s reserved Swiss father, who is present but distant due to the circumstances of apartheid.
• Various other family members, friends, and community figures are introduced throughout the memoir.
2. Rising Action
• Childhood Challenges:
• Trevor navigates his identity, often feeling like he belongs to neither the Black nor white communities, though he is closer to Black culture due to his mother’s influence.
• He faces poverty, schoolyard conflicts, and the social stigmas of being “colored” in a racially stratified society.
• Survival Through Humor:
• Trevor’s quick wit and adaptability become tools to defuse tension and bridge divides. He recounts hilarious and poignant stories, such as selling pirated CDs and being thrown out of a moving car with his mother.
• Complex Family Dynamics:
• Trevor shares stories of his mother’s turbulent relationship with Abel, his abusive stepfather, which adds tension and danger to their lives.
3. Climax
• Trevor and Patricia’s Escape from Abel:
• The memoir reaches its emotional peak when Trevor recounts the horrifying incident in which Abel shoots his mother. Patricia miraculously survives, further solidifying her strength and resilience in Trevor’s eyes.
4. Falling Action
• Trevor’s Growth:
• Trevor reflects on how his mother’s love and faith shaped his values and sense of humor, helping him rise above the challenges of his environment.
• He begins to see his experiences as a foundation for his future career in comedy.
5. Resolution
• Trevor’s Gratitude for His Mother:
• The memoir ends with Trevor’s deep appreciation for Patricia, whose unwavering determination and unconventional parenting prepared him to navigate life’s complexities.
Themes and Analysis
1. Resilience and Survival:
Trevor’s life illustrates how humor, creativity, and determination can be tools for overcoming adversity.
2. Race and Identity:
The memoir provides a lens into the absurdity and cruelty of apartheid, while also exploring Trevor’s unique experience as a mixed-race individual in a society obsessed with categorization.
3. Family and Sacrifice:
Patricia’s sacrifices and unconditional love underscore the power of family bonds and maternal strength.
4. Faith and Independence:
Patricia’s deep religious faith and rebellious spirit serve as a source of both conflict and inspiration for Trevor.
5. Power of Humor:
Noah demonstrates how humor can be a coping mechanism and a bridge for understanding across cultural divides.
Why the Title?
The title Born a Crime reflects Trevor’s very existence as illegal under apartheid laws. It underscores the absurdity of systemic racism and serves as a metaphor for the broader injustices he faced growing up.
What Should We Take Away?
• Empathy and Understanding: The memoir offers a personal perspective on apartheid’s legacy, fostering a deeper understanding of systemic racism and inequality.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Trevor’s story shows how creativity, humor, and determination can transform even the most challenging circumstances.
• The Importance of Family: The memoir celebrates the profound influence of maternal love and the sacrifices parents make for their children.
Legacy and Impact
• Born a Crime became an international bestseller and cemented Trevor Noah’s reputation as not only a comedian but also a thoughtful and powerful storyteller.
• The book is often used in educational settings to discuss themes of race, identity, and resilience.
• A film adaptation of the memoir, with Lupita Nyong’o cast as Patricia, is in development, further extending its reach and cultural impact.
This book is amazing...for me was as an epiphany
If after listening to this narrative, you're still wondering the importance of this book or complaining that it is an educational tool....-show some RESPECT
Thanks for this
Kids are learning this in school? HOW LUCKY!
oh my lord i needed these pictures
What was all the streets in the town were named after what
very good
:)
I don’t follow Trevor Noah, but this video is interesting
I feel bad because this story seems so interesting and amazing but I have a deadline like tomorrow to read it which I put off
Same, and I needa figure out external and internal conflicts for this
hope you’ve read it by now
NOW I HAVE MORE RESPECT FOR THE MAN
Wtf is the point of this in highschool they got my ass writing n taking quizzes for what tf America weird asf.
so you learn something from it…
I had to read the book but I didn’t want to so I saw this lol
Can someone summarize chapter 18
1:21 Didn't even attempt the click.
Thx
Guten Tag an alle die Morgen englisch Abi schreiben
I wonder if anything would be different if his mother wasn't religious
Definitely. For one, he would’ve never been thrown outta the moving van. Probably not sent to a religious school either
You saved me
Me reading this while taking the quiz👁👄👁
me to 😹 but uu got xbox ?
WOW
😳😳😳😳😳
anyway who else is watching cuz their english teacher forced them,raise your hand: 🙋🏽♀️
👋😴😂..buh I'm now lovin' it thou'💓
✋🏽
who came her after PANOS PANY DUO...