By Farah R
Edited by Wan Nur Amrina
Tsitsi Dangarembga’s Nervous Condition is a postcolonial literary text taking place in Zimbabwe. The novel is centred around Tambu, a girl living in a village in Shona with her family. Tambu has a brother who gets the chance to pursue education in a missionary school while she stays at home with her family. The novel begins with Tambu, the female character describing the situation of her brother’s tragic death and that encourages Tambu to replace her brother’s spot to pursue her education. She starts off her education journey by staying in her uncle’s place, Babamukuru and her cousin, Nyasha. Babamukuru is considered the most respected man in her hometown, hence skyrocketing her expectations. However, as time passes by, Tambu eventually unveils the truth behind the family’s reality which leads to an eye-opening event in her life.
Tambu, while continuing her studies, stays with her cousin, Nyasha. Nyasha is the daughter of Babamukuru and Maiguru, a Shona couple who migrated to London, along with her daughter. Although she grew up Westernised by her parents, she sometimes received Shona’s treatment by her father. Once, Nyasha went home late because she was attending a dance party with a Baker boy. When her father figured it out, he turned into a mad dog as if her daughter had committed the biggest sin. Her father strictly emphasised that attending such a party is a waste of time and she should have stayed in her room studying instead. Nyasha got her head banged on the floor and worse, she even received a murder threat from her own father.
This perplexing scene caused Nyasha to doubt her identity as a daughter of integrated Western Shona parents or as a female in Western society. As a girl with a well-off education, Nyasha was treated as if she had to be at home just like the traditional girl used to be. From this scene in the novel, the act of condemning an educated woman seems to be questionable. Yes, it is uncommon for a Shona woman to be home late but, in this situation, Nyasha’s father’s inclusion of a murder threat just because her daughter went home late seems excessive. A father should protect the women in his family, not cause menace and terrify them. Although this situation can be viewed from the cultural elements, it is important to highlight that women deserve to be treated humanely and not as an object that humans can express their anger at.
Besides, the portrayal of women in Nervous Conditions is also presented by Nyasha’s mother, Maiguru. It is surprising knowing that Maiguru had such an excellent academic achievement during her young age. However, due to her gender, she was forced to conform to societal norms. Her freedom to contribute to society was condemned by her husband who conforms to the rigid system. This situation also occurred towards other women characters in the novel as well; Tambu, Ma’Shingayi and their female siblings. It is unfortunate for them to face this, in a male-dominated society.
From the novel, Tambu and Nyasha’s journey in diving into the realm of education is a wake-up call towards women's rights in a male-chauvinist society. Tambu’s journey in academic pursuit is more than just a personal one as she is determined to break the archaic mindset and mentality in her community. She believes that the desire for education is about combating the power dynamics embedded in the colonial education system. Furthermore, Tambu's resistance is apparent in the circumstances, as she rejects gender stereotypes that relegate her to domestic responsibilities.
In summary, the novel Nervous Condition somehow evokes the paradoxical purpose of education brought by the colonisers. Initially, education is supposed to refine individuals and enlighten civilisations, however, due to society’s resistance to break the tradition, it has ultimately affected the other party in the community, mainly women. Overall, it is possible to conclude that the primary objective of postcolonial education failed to assist the entire society in the novel, as the education possessed by the male characters in the novel exacerbates the superiority planted in them.
In linking to the contemporary issue, women accessing education is now undoubtedly a norm as women have contributed greater and even splendid achievements in various fields. Perhaps in some countries, women are still struggling to get proper education, so it is vital to look at the bright side of the globe. In many developing and third-world countries, women in education is no longer an odd arena. Women are now the main characters and even the directors directing massive stages either nationally or internationally. Therefore, it is a majestic show worthy to behold our respect and ovation to all the women who are willing to break the stigma in compromising a better place for themselves in society, as well as in contributing themselves for the betterment of humankind.
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