Analysis of Albert and Esene Story by Frances Khirallah Noble - Essay Example

The story begins by addressing family relations between a married couple and the in-laws. The sisters-in-law of Esene seem to be envious of her. They do not want to see Esene progress. For example, they are happier that Esene’s husband is dead just as their husbands died. For example, instead of Amelia consoling Esene, she says, “Now we are all the same … we can tell you what it’s like to be a widow” (Noble 163). Albert’s family appears to celebrate the unfortunate event that Esene and Albert do not have a child.

For example, they say that “….. It’s a good thing that they have no children”. This statement brought caused Esene to feel very sad. However, despite the poor relationship between Esene and her in-laws, Albert takes good care of Esene and promises to support her fully. For instance, he decided to always speak on behalf of Esene whenever she could not do it by herself. The story further shows that women can become better people in society if they are supported and given the right kind of environment.

Most Arabic countries discriminate against women. They deny women the chance to go to school and learn other languages. For instance, Esene was married but could not read or write. When she started objecting to the idea of Albert teaching her these skills, Albert warns her by saying that “the women in this country read”. Unlike in most Arabic nations, women in the USA are far better because they are allowed to attend school. Albert decides to secretly teach his wife how to read and write. The story further shows that women can become better people in society if they are supported and given the right kind of environment.

Most Arabic countries discriminate against women. They deny women the chance to go to school and learn other languages. For instance, Esene was married but could not read or write. When she started objecting to the idea of Albert teaching her these skills, Albert warns her by saying that “the women in this country read”. Unlike in most Arabic nations, women in the USA are far better because they are allowed to attend school. Albert decides to secretly teach his wife how to read and write. He wanted this to be a surprise to his two sisters who were lucky to have learned the skills by observing what their mother did.

In addition, the story talks about determination in pursuit of the goals of life. Albert loved his wife and he was determined to make her know how to read and write in English. He provided her with the right environment including magazines and newspapers. When Esene objected, he would encourage her to the extent of telling her to smoke so that she could feel relaxed. Albert was willing to sit with her wife in the shop discussing several matters with a group of other men. All this was tactfully done so that Esene could also know how to communicate well in English.

These efforts soon paid the price. Esene developed a reading habit such that she could read anything that came into her sight. For example, after spilling the beans of her secret reading lessons to Albert’s family, she defends herself by saying, “The worlds become automatic….. It was only a matter of time before they flew out of my mouth”.