What exactly is an ideal lifestyle? The answer is different for each person, as some people want more and others want less. In the short story “Black Girl” by Sembene Ousmane, the reader discovers Diouana's determination to climb the ladder of the social hierarchy. As the protagonist, she gives in to the idea of ​​leaving her hometown in Africa, where she has been working for several years as a housekeeper for a wealthy white family. Her vision of the perfect lifestyle is to live in France, where she imagines herself earning millions and basking in wealth. Unfortunately, things don't always turn out as they seem. History shows that when we think about our ideal lifestyle, we rely mainly on personal experience, which often results in deception. The author effectively conveys this theme through his use of setting, symbolism, and iconic foreshadowing. The setting of the story plays a major role as it takes place in two different countries, Senegal followed by France later in the story. The two countries are completely different, with Africa being a continent plagued by poverty and France being presented as a country of opportunities. After a few years working for Monsieur and Madame, they decide to return to France for a while but they ask Diouana if she would like to accompany them. She accepts immediately because she expects a lot from France. She begins to despise her homeland and everything she grew up with is no longer worth anything. “Everything around her had become ugly, the magnificent villas she had so often admired seemed dilapidated” (135). When she thinks of France, she sees herself earning millions, returning to her native country and sharing her wealth with those close to her (136). She proclaims that if... middle of paper... cases solved silently. Most people don't really care, the article about his suicide was found on the fourth page, sixth column of the newspaper, barely noticeable. The story clearly illustrates that when we think about our ideal lifestyle, we rely mainly on personal experience which often results in deception. The theme is conveyed through literary devices such as setting, symbolism, and iconic foreshadowing. The abolition of slavery is a step forward, but there are still several steps to take. Measures that protect everyone against human trafficking and exploitation. Most importantly, racism must end, while providing equal opportunities to all without discrimination. Works cited Ousmane, Sembene. “Black girl.” Worlds of fiction.Ed. Roberta Rubenstein and Charles R. Larson. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2002. 767-76.