Emancipation

Another theme explored in the novella The Embassy of Cambodia by Zadie Smith is that of emancipation. This theme is reflected in Fatou’s evolution from a passive character who allows others to turn her into a victim, to an active participant who is ready to take control of her own life.

Fatou stands out among the people of Willesden even though many of them are also immigrants like her. Fatou’s employers, the Derawals see Fatou as an outsider and an inferior and often mistreat her. They barely speak to her and when they do, the kids insult and verbally abuse her,. Fatou is also not paid for her work, and her passport is ke...