Muzungu is a word that means both “rich person” and “white man.” Its double meaning speaks to the ongoing impact of European colonialism in Rwanda, which resulted in white people being associated with wealth and authority.
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Muzungu Term Timeline in Left to Tell
The timeline below shows where the term Muzungu appears in Left to Tell. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1: The Eternal Spring
...our part of Rwanda.” They also have a motorcycle. People in the village nickname Leonard “Muzungu,” which means both “rich person” and “white man.” Immaculée’s family are Catholic, and like the...
(full context)
