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English nervous conditions

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English nervous conditions
University Stellenbosch
Nervous Conditions
Distinguishing, Freedom

Leon Le Roux 16622057
4/16/2013
Group 72
Andrea Buchanan

Distinguishing, Freedom

“Nervous Conditions” has been described by many as a difficult title and story to follow. The reason for this is because of the title. The title I used: “Distinguishing Freedom” is being used as an aAlternative. Distinguishing, Freedom, if you look at it from the surface does not give you a great deal of insight. By looking at the novel it will give the reader a clearer insight, referring to the themes of the novel which areis; the authority of men and Tambuzai’s way of leaving it behind for a better life.

“Distinguishing” and Freedom” are the two words that make up the title of the novel. According to Dictionary. Com the definition of Distinguishing means: “To treat (someone or something) as different)” (Dictionary.Com, 2013). Freedom on the other hand according to the Oxford English Dictionary means: “The power or right to act, speak or think as one wants” (Compact Oxford English Dictionary for Students, 2006: 400). These two meanings refer to “Tambu” and “Nyasha”. The reason is because “Tambu” and “Nyasha” wanting to leave the homestead and find a better life for themselves, without being under the control of men.

In the beginning of the novel it is easy to pick up that “Nhamo” is the one being favoured above Tambu because she is a woman. “Did you ever hear of a girl taken away to school” (Dangarembga, 1988: 46). This is a sign that the boy in the house is being favored. He always gloated at her to give him the respect and power that he deserved as a man. The reason why “Tambu” wanted to get educated was to stand up for herself unlike her mother. The only way to stand up for herself and leave the homestead was to further her education to become self dependentd. “Nhamo” leaving and “Tambu” not being allowed to go to school triggered her to become free from “pPatriarchy”.

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