Podcast
Questions and Answers
Where does the book take place?
Where does the book take place?
What is the temporal setting of this book?
What is the temporal setting of this book?
1960's Rhodesia
When was the book published and where?
When was the book published and where?
1988 in the UK
When was pre-colonial rule?
When was pre-colonial rule?
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When was 'Great Zimbabwe'?
When was 'Great Zimbabwe'?
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When did Cecil Rhodes and British South Africa come into rule?
When did Cecil Rhodes and British South Africa come into rule?
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When was Southern Rhodesia established as a self-governing colony?
When was Southern Rhodesia established as a self-governing colony?
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When did the white government of Southern Rhodesia declare independence from the UK as Rhodesia?
When did the white government of Southern Rhodesia declare independence from the UK as Rhodesia?
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When did Rhodesia turn into Zimbabwe?
When did Rhodesia turn into Zimbabwe?
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Who was the prime minister of Zimbabwe?
Who was the prime minister of Zimbabwe?
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What were the numbers in Rhodesia of ethnicity (# of white and Africans)?
What were the numbers in Rhodesia of ethnicity (# of white and Africans)?
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Areas controlled by the British in Africa included what percentage of the African population?
Areas controlled by the British in Africa included what percentage of the African population?
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What is postcolonial literature?
What is postcolonial literature?
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What are the interests of Postcolonial Literature?
What are the interests of Postcolonial Literature?
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What is post-colonial literature characterized by?
What is post-colonial literature characterized by?
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How does Tambu describe her brother Nahmo?
How does Tambu describe her brother Nahmo?
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Why does Tambu feel guilty about disliking her brother?
Why does Tambu feel guilty about disliking her brother?
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Describe Tambu as a narrator. What inferences can you draw about her?
Describe Tambu as a narrator. What inferences can you draw about her?
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How does Tambu compare her mother and Maiguru?
How does Tambu compare her mother and Maiguru?
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Why does Tambu's mother say, 'this business of womanhood is a heavy burden'?
Why does Tambu's mother say, 'this business of womanhood is a heavy burden'?
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Why is Tambu's grandmother's 'fairy tale' story of the family significant?
Why is Tambu's grandmother's 'fairy tale' story of the family significant?
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How is Tambu's first plan of selling mealies thwarted?
How is Tambu's first plan of selling mealies thwarted?
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Describe Tambu's experience in Umtali.
Describe Tambu's experience in Umtali.
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Describe Tambu's relationship with her father at the end of chapter two.
Describe Tambu's relationship with her father at the end of chapter two.
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Why does the family make such a big deal about Babamukuru's family's return? What is the significance to the story?
Why does the family make such a big deal about Babamukuru's family's return? What is the significance to the story?
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Describe Tambu's feelings about her cousins. Do you think this feeling has to do more with them or with her?
Describe Tambu's feelings about her cousins. Do you think this feeling has to do more with them or with her?
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Why do you think Tambu, the narrator, and Dangarembga, the author, have taken 53 pages and three chapters to get to Nhamo's death after mentioning it in the first line of the book? What has been accomplished in that 53 pages?
Why do you think Tambu, the narrator, and Dangarembga, the author, have taken 53 pages and three chapters to get to Nhamo's death after mentioning it in the first line of the book? What has been accomplished in that 53 pages?
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What is school worth to Tambu?
What is school worth to Tambu?
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Describe Tambu's thoughts and attitude as she leaves the homestead.
Describe Tambu's thoughts and attitude as she leaves the homestead.
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What does Tambu mean when she says, 'My education had already begun'?
What does Tambu mean when she says, 'My education had already begun'?
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What does Tambu mean by 'remaining steadfast'? What must she guard against? Why?
What does Tambu mean by 'remaining steadfast'? What must she guard against? Why?
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Why is Tambu embarrassed by Nyasha's manners?
Why is Tambu embarrassed by Nyasha's manners?
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From what we know of Nyasha by the end of chapter four, compare and contrast Nyasha and Tambu.
From what we know of Nyasha by the end of chapter four, compare and contrast Nyasha and Tambu.
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What does Nyasha mean when she says her parents are 'stuck with hybrids for children'?
What does Nyasha mean when she says her parents are 'stuck with hybrids for children'?
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Why is it seen as rude when Nyasha reaches for the rice while Babamukuru is still filling his plate?
Why is it seen as rude when Nyasha reaches for the rice while Babamukuru is still filling his plate?
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How has the way Anna treats Tambu changed? Why do you think it changed?
How has the way Anna treats Tambu changed? Why do you think it changed?
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What is the significance of Babamukuru's speech to Tambu? Why does she miss the first half of it?
What is the significance of Babamukuru's speech to Tambu? Why does she miss the first half of it?
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Why is Tambu surprised to learn that Maiguru has a Master's Degree?
Why is Tambu surprised to learn that Maiguru has a Master's Degree?
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How has Tambu's perspective on the homestead changed when she goes home in December 1969?
How has Tambu's perspective on the homestead changed when she goes home in December 1969?
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How do the women in the family react to the discussion of Lucia's problems as a private matter without her?
How do the women in the family react to the discussion of Lucia's problems as a private matter without her?
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Why won't Maiguru give an opinion?
Why won't Maiguru give an opinion?
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Describe Mainini Ma'Shingayi's treatment of Maiguru during this visit.
Describe Mainini Ma'Shingayi's treatment of Maiguru during this visit.
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What does Nyasha mean when she says, 'It's bad enough...when a country gets colonized, but when the people do as well! That's the end, really, that's the end'?
What does Nyasha mean when she says, 'It's bad enough...when a country gets colonized, but when the people do as well! That's the end, really, that's the end'?
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How does Tambu change as a result of her friendship with Nyasha?
How does Tambu change as a result of her friendship with Nyasha?
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Why doesn't Tambu want to go to the wedding?
Why doesn't Tambu want to go to the wedding?
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Why is her refusal to go to the wedding significant?
Why is her refusal to go to the wedding significant?
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Why isn't Nyasha angry with her mother for leaving?
Why isn't Nyasha angry with her mother for leaving?
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Why does Tambu say the test is unfair? What is her advantage?
Why does Tambu say the test is unfair? What is her advantage?
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Why do Nyasha, Babamukuru, and Tambu's mother each oppose her going to Sacred Heart?
Why do Nyasha, Babamukuru, and Tambu's mother each oppose her going to Sacred Heart?
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What is Tambu's mother's illness, and why is it 'kept quiet and secret'?
What is Tambu's mother's illness, and why is it 'kept quiet and secret'?
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How has Nyasha changed during Tambu's absence?
How has Nyasha changed during Tambu's absence?
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Describe Tambu's experience getting to Sacred Heart.
Describe Tambu's experience getting to Sacred Heart.
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Compare Tambu's emotional progression in this chapter with Nyasha's.
Compare Tambu's emotional progression in this chapter with Nyasha's.
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Why does the first psychiatrist say that Nyasha is just making a scene?
Why does the first psychiatrist say that Nyasha is just making a scene?
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Study Notes
Setting
- The story is set in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), specifically in a village called Mutari.
- Temporal context is the 1960s during the colonial era.
- The book was published in 1988 in the UK.
Historical Context
- Pre-colonial rule in the region lasted from 1000 to 1887.
- Great Zimbabwe existed from 1100 to 1400.
- British colonial rule began under Cecil Rhodes in 1888.
- Southern Rhodesia became a self-governing colony in 1923.
- In 1965, the white government of Southern Rhodesia declared independence from the UK, known as Rhodesia.
- Rhodesia was officially changed to Zimbabwe in 1980, with Robert Mugabe becoming the prime minister.
Demographics
- Rhodesia had 270,000 Europeans and approximately 6 million Africans.
- British-controlled areas in Africa comprised about 30% of the African population.
Literary Concepts
- Postcolonial literature examines the effects of colonialism and imperialism.
- It often addresses themes of cultural identity, societal change, and explores race, ethnicity, and gender issues.
- Characterized by critiques of colonization and its residual discourses.
Character Analysis
- Tambu views her brother Nhamo critically, suggesting indirect characterizations. Details of their dynamic reflect themes of guilt and anger within familial relationships.
- Tambu depicts herself as a complex narrator with a highly descriptive vocabulary, indicative of her introspective nature.
- Comparisons between her mother and Maiguru highlight Tambu’s admiration for Maiguru's education and modernity.
- Tambu grapples with feelings of alienation from her cousins, illustrating a shift in cultural connections following her education.
Key Events and Themes
- Tambu's initial business plan to sell mealies is thwarted by Nhamo, who seeks to maintain his status as the only educated family member.
- Her experience in Umtali marks a significant transition in her life and education.
- Relationships evolve; for instance, Tambu's bond with her father deteriorates after he steals her hard-earned money for school.
- Babamukuru’s return home marks a critical moment for family dynamics and education.
- Nyasha’s character provides a foil to Tambu, showcasing differing responses to cultural identity and rebellion.
Societal Commentary
- The story presents a critique of patriarchal norms, illustrated through moments of conflict regarding familial expectations.
- Nyasha's statement about colonization reveals the loss of cultural identity, while Tambu's resistance to traditional expectations signifies a quest for independence.
- Changes in Tambu’s perspective on the homestead reflect her growing awareness of social conditions and familial strife, particularly her mother's depression.
Personal Growth and Challenges
- Tambu's friendship with Nyasha encourages her to adopt more liberal views amidst traditional constraints.
- Her refusal to attend a wedding showcases her critical view of familial loyalty versus personal integrity.
- The tension between educational aspirations and societal roles underpins much of Tambu's conflict, especially regarding her mother's illness and its stigma.
Conclusion
- The narrative interweaves personal experiences and broader socio-political themes, emphasizing the complexities of identity, education, and resistance against colonial and familial expectations.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge on the key settings and historical context of 'Nervous Conditions'. This quiz covers information about where the book takes place, its temporal setting, publication details, and significant historical timelines. Ideal for students looking to deepen their understanding of the novel.
