Nervous Conditions Study Guide
54 Questions
100 Views

Nervous Conditions Study Guide

Created by
@WieldyJadeite4115

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Where does the book take place?

  • Kenya
  • South Africa
  • Uganda
  • Rhodesia (Now Zimbabwe), in a village called Mutari (correct)

    • What is the temporal setting of this book?

    1960's Rhodesia

    When was the book published and where?

    1988 in the UK

    When was pre-colonial rule?

    <p>1000-1887</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When was 'Great Zimbabwe'?

    <p>1100-1400</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When did Cecil Rhodes and British South Africa come into rule?

    <p>1888</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When was Southern Rhodesia established as a self-governing colony?

    <p>1923</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When did the white government of Southern Rhodesia declare independence from the UK as Rhodesia?

    <p>1965</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When did Rhodesia turn into Zimbabwe?

    <p>1980</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was the prime minister of Zimbabwe?

    <p>Robert Mugabe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the numbers in Rhodesia of ethnicity (# of white and Africans)?

    <p>270,000 European and 6 million Africans</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Areas controlled by the British in Africa included what percentage of the African population?

    <p>30%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is postcolonial literature?

    <p>Works dealing with the aftermath of colonialism and imperialism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the interests of Postcolonial Literature?

    <p>In culture, social change, and complex identity such as race, ethnicity, and gender</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is post-colonial literature characterized by?

    <p>Critique of colonization and its discourses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Tambu describe her brother Nahmo?

    <p>Indirect characterization reveals he is selfish and self-centered.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Tambu feel guilty about disliking her brother?

    Signup and view all the answers

    Describe Tambu as a narrator. What inferences can you draw about her?

    <p>Very embellished vocabulary and describes things in detail; she overthinks and broods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Tambu compare her mother and Maiguru?

    <p>She prefers Maiguru because she thinks Maiguru is a better mom due to her education.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Tambu's mother say, 'this business of womanhood is a heavy burden'?

    Signup and view all the answers

    Why is Tambu's grandmother's 'fairy tale' story of the family significant?

    <p>It is significant because it represents Tambu's family history.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is Tambu's first plan of selling mealies thwarted?

    <p>Nhamo steals them to assert his position as the only educated one in the family.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe Tambu's experience in Umtali.

    Signup and view all the answers

    Describe Tambu's relationship with her father at the end of chapter two.

    <p>Poor because her father steals her money intended for school tuition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does the family make such a big deal about Babamukuru's family's return? What is the significance to the story?

    <p>Because he is returning from England, highlighting education's importance for Tambu.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe Tambu's feelings about her cousins. Do you think this feeling has to do more with them or with her?

    <p>She feels bewildered and offended that they forgot how to speak Shona.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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?

    Signup and view all the answers

    What is school worth to Tambu?

    <p>A future</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe Tambu's thoughts and attitude as she leaves the homestead.

    <p>She is very excited and anxious to arrive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Tambu mean when she says, 'My education had already begun'?

    Signup and view all the answers

    What does Tambu mean by 'remaining steadfast'? What must she guard against? Why?

    <p>She wants to stay true to herself despite her changing environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is Tambu embarrassed by Nyasha's manners?

    <p>She feels embarrassed because Nyasha yells at Babamukuru and smokes cigarettes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    From what we know of Nyasha by the end of chapter four, compare and contrast Nyasha and Tambu.

    <p>Nyasha is rude and rebellious while Tambu is quiet and respectful.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Nyasha mean when she says her parents are 'stuck with hybrids for children'?

    <p>They are from Rhodesia but raised in England, resulting in cultural dissonance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it seen as rude when Nyasha reaches for the rice while Babamukuru is still filling his plate?

    <p>It violates patriarchal norms of respect and waiting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How has the way Anna treats Tambu changed? Why do you think it changed?

    <p>She now calls her 'Sisi Tambu' indicating a change in social hierarchy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of Babamukuru's speech to Tambu? Why does she miss the first half of it?

    <p>The speech emphasizes familial bonds, and she misses it due to her preoccupation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is Tambu surprised to learn that Maiguru has a Master's Degree?

    <p>Because it is not commonly discussed or utilized.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How has Tambu's perspective on the homestead changed when she goes home in December 1969?

    <p>She sees it as dirty and neglected, reflecting her changed status.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do the women in the family react to the discussion of Lucia's problems as a private matter without her?

    <p>Tambu's mom becomes increasingly agitated and accuses others of wrongdoing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why won't Maiguru give an opinion?

    <p>Because it does not concern or affect her.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe Mainini Ma'Shingayi's treatment of Maiguru during this visit.

    <p>She is very depressed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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'?

    <p>It signifies a loss of culture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Tambu change as a result of her friendship with Nyasha?

    <p>She becomes more liberal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why doesn't Tambu want to go to the wedding?

    <p>She feels it insults her parents and herself.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is her refusal to go to the wedding significant?

    <p>It signifies her realization that Babamukuru is not perfect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why isn't Nyasha angry with her mother for leaving?

    Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Tambu say the test is unfair? What is her advantage?

    <p>She didn't get to study but knew the material from the homestead.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do Nyasha, Babamukuru, and Tambu's mother each oppose her going to Sacred Heart?

    <p>Nyasha is afraid of being left alone; Tambu's mother fears losing another child; Babamukuru wants her help at the homestead.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Tambu's mother's illness, and why is it 'kept quiet and secret'?

    Signup and view all the answers

    How has Nyasha changed during Tambu's absence?

    <p>Nyasha is cold toward her, upset about losing her best friend.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe Tambu's experience getting to Sacred Heart.

    <p>She finds herself in a crowded room of Black African American girls.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Compare Tambu's emotional progression in this chapter with Nyasha's.

    Signup and view all the answers

    Why does the first psychiatrist say that Nyasha is just making a scene?

    Signup and view all the answers

    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

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    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.

    More Like This

    Nervous System Conditions Flashcards
    10 questions

    Nervous System Conditions Flashcards

    DivineCopper avatar
    DivineCopper
    Nervous Conditions Chapter 1 & 2 Quiz
    11 questions

    Nervous Conditions Chapter 1 & 2 Quiz

    TalentedFantasy1640 avatar
    TalentedFantasy1640
    Nervous System Disorders Overview
    21 questions

    Nervous System Disorders Overview

    HandierMemphis avatar
    HandierMemphis
    Nervous System Disorders Overview
    40 questions

    Nervous System Disorders Overview

    FineLookingAquamarine248 avatar
    FineLookingAquamarine248
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser