The real tragedy of life is always a tragedy of misunderstanding.
Joyce Cary – Mister Johnson
Life’s Tragic Misunderstanding
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In "Mister Johnson" by Joyce Cary, the story is set in Nigeria during British colonial rule. The main character, Mister Johnson, is a charismatic and ambitious Nigerian who wants to rise in the colonial hierarchy. He is hired as a clerk for a British district officer, but his lack of attention to detail and disregard for rules causes problems. Johnson's attempts to impress the British are often misguided and lead to disastrous consequences. Despite his flaws, Johnson is a sympathetic character and the reader is left with a sense of sadness at his eventual downfall. The novel explores themes of colonialism, cultural clashes, and the struggle for power and identity.