Noughts and Crosses: historical context

The Work and Its Author

“Noughts and Crosses” is a novel written by Malorie Blackman which was later adapted into a stage drama. The novel was first published in 2001.
Besides the racial tension, Blackman’s work is notable for its exploration of a society rigidly divided along class lines, another reflection of the societal structures seen in historical contexts.
It is worth noting that when “Noughts and Crosses” was published, it was during a time that witnessed a revived rise of far-right movements and growing racial tensions globally. These topical issues have contributed to the relevance and popularity of Blackman’s work.
The aim of including “Noughts and Crosses” in the syllabus is to provide a perspective about racial relations and societal hierarchies which stimulates thought and discussion.

The narrative is set in a fictional dystopian society. In this world, the Crosses (dark-skinned individuals) are the dominant racial group while the Noughts (light-skinned individuals) are marginalised and discriminated against.

The structure of the society mirrors the racial and social divide that was prevalent in South Africa under apartheid (1948-1994). During apartheid, the ruling minority white South Africans enacted discriminatory laws over the majority black South Africans.
The play doesn’t only reflect apartheid, but also echoes the racial tensions and civil rights issues experienced in many parts of the world.
The struggles and racial divide presented in Blackman’s work bring light to experiences during the Civil Rights Movement in 1950s-1960s America.