Nervous Conditions

Nervous Conditions What is the meaning of this book’s title? Where does it come from? (2 lines, 5 points): The quote comes from Fanon’s Wretched of the Earth. The title has to do with the way the mind works in reaction to colonialism. Every character negotiates neurosis, which is more often than not denial. They want to overcome but are trapped and limited by the confines of both their culture and the culture imposed on them. Please describe 3 major characters (2 lines each, 5 points each): Nyashais the rebellious one in the novel. She knows what kind of lives British women lead because she was schooled there and the kind that the Shonawomen lead. Since she did not grow up in the Shonaway she has no memories and no tie to these people so she can speak out against what she believes is wrong. Tambuis a girl that sees the influence of patriarchy on women. Had her brother not died she would not be in the situation she is in now. All she wants is to escape the life she leads and get an education. The problem is she nearly forgets where she comes from. Maiguruwants the best for her kids. She gave them a Western education to better enhance their life. She is the voice of dissent in the novel when she decidesthat she no longer will be a doormat. Setting (2 lines, 5 points): This novel it set during the 1960’s and 1970’s in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). It occurs during the British rule over Africans. Please describe the mother/daughter relationship (5 lines, 25 points): The mother/daughter relationship reflects a need to retain your culture. Nyasha’smother leaves her culture and adopts a Western one and wants her kids to have the same. She wants Nyashato have the independence and freedom and at one point almost degenerates to being submissive but then remembers that it is not right. Tambu’s mother strongly enforces the idea of never forgetting your roots. She wants Tambu to be a provider but makesher realize that she cannot get too