Essay Questions

Is acceptance emerging as one of the main themes in A Country You Can Leave by Asale Angel-Ajani?

The biggest assignment for Lara is to discover her identity as she becomes an adult and accept her mother and family. Throughout her childhood, Lara conflicts with her mother because she does not understand why she is so strict. For instance, Lara is confined to their home with limited time to interact with her friends and do what she loves, such as reading all types of books. Due to unavoidable circumstances, Lara's mother is forced to explain why she has been strict throughout her life and that whatever she did was in good faith for her safety. Lara accepts and forgives her mother as they forge a new relationship. Lara accepts her identity as a biracial person and gets the courage to face life with courage.

What is the significance of the rainbow umbrella hat in the novel?

The rainbow umbrella hat is significant in the novel because it symbolizes optimism and flexibility in the face of hardship. The older women in the Oasis Mobile Estates wear hats to remind the community members of the significance of finding consolation in hardship. The rainbow umbrella hats also remind the residents of the importance and power of remaining united. In other words, the hats remind the community members that their unit is their strength in adversity.

What are some of the challenges biracial people go through in the United States of America?

Asale Angel-Ajani’s A Country You Can Leave explores the difficulties the people of color, like Lara, go through in America as they try to compete favorably with their white counterparts. The first challenge is racism. Biracial people are bullied in their places of work and learning institutions. Similarly, biracial people lack access to employment opportunities and other benefits like health coverage and good housing. For people like Lara to succeed, they must accept the harsh realities and work extra hard to access material things that enable them to succeed in America.