A Grain of Wheat

by

Ngugi wa Thiong’o

Margery Thompson Character Analysis

Margery is John’s wife. Although, as a woman, Margery possesses less social power, she finds ways to exert power and agency within her own life, particular to her gender. When Karanja visits, Margery utilizes her sexual allure and position as a white woman to make Karanja squirm, enjoying the rush she gets from the use of power. In the same way, Margery has an affair with the Dr. Van Dyke, who disgusts her, primarily for the “anarchic joy” and power she feels in the treachery. Margery plays a small role and principally serves to demonstrate that women may find other forms of power to exert within their own lives, even when they are constrained by society.
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Margery Thompson Character Timeline in A Grain of Wheat

The timeline below shows where the character Margery Thompson appears in A Grain of Wheat. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 4
Colonialism Theme Icon
The Individual vs. the Community Theme Icon
Guilt and Redemption Theme Icon
Gender and Power Theme Icon
...reports to John Thompson, who merely wants him to deliver a message to his wife Margery. Karanja hates such trivial errands and resolves to complain to Thompson about them, but delivers... (full context)
Colonialism Theme Icon
Gender and Power Theme Icon
Karanja rides his bicycle to Margery’s house, and she oddly invites him to stay for tea, apparently lonely and bored. Karanja... (full context)
Colonialism Theme Icon
Guilt and Redemption Theme Icon
Gender and Power Theme Icon
...As Thompson is ruminating, Karanja appears to announce that he has delivered the message to Margery. Thompson again tells Karanja he will resolve the matter with the dog, but internally curses... (full context)
Chapter 5
Colonialism Theme Icon
Guilt and Redemption Theme Icon
Gender and Power Theme Icon
John Thompson returns home to Margery. Though he wants to tell her about the incident with the dog, he cannot; each... (full context)
Colonialism Theme Icon
Guilt and Redemption Theme Icon
Gender and Power Theme Icon
Margery reflects on the days before she and John came to Africa, when they are happy... (full context)
Colonialism Theme Icon
Guilt and Redemption Theme Icon
Gender and Power Theme Icon
...Africa, a manifesto of British colonialism. Thompson’s enthusiasm becomes a common bond between himself and Margery; she is enthralled by his vigor and brilliance. “His moral passion gave life a meaning.”... (full context)
Chapter 11
Colonialism Theme Icon
Guilt and Redemption Theme Icon
At a farewell party for John and Margery Thompson, their fellow British workers are reflecting on how fond they are of John due... (full context)