Nervous Conditions

Identify the four women Tambu focuses on in the novel. How are their storylines intertwined with Tambu’s? What does Tambu learn from each of the four women?

Analyze the impacts of colonization in the novel, both explicit and implicit. How is Tambu’s family impacted by colonization? How are the Sigaukes affected? What message is the author trying to convey about colonization? Why?

Tambu narrates the story from an unknown point in the future. What might have happened in Tambu’s life between the time she returned to Sacred Heart and the time she began narrating the story?

Compare and contrast the attitudes toward men depicted by Nyasha, Lucia, and Ma’Shingayi. Why do you think Lucia is happy to appease Babamukuru, while Nyasha and Ma’Shingayi speak out against him?

Discuss Babamukuru’s role in his family, in the mission, and in the novel itself. How did he achieve his high status among white colonizers? What are his responsibilities to his family? Is he an antagonist, or is he a product of the patriarchy and of colonization? What does his character represent in the text?

Examine Nhamo’s character. How does he treat Tambudzai before he moves in with Babamukuru? How does his behavior change after he is enrolled in the mission school? Does Tambu blame Nhamo for his arrogance? Why or why not?

Consider the role of parents and parenting styles in Nervous Conditions. How does parenting impact children in the text? What messages does the author convey about parenting via familial relationships in the novel?

Discuss Lucia and Takesure. Why is Lucia expected to marry Takesure and return home with him? Why does Takesure avoid returning home? How do Takesure and Lucia feel about each other? Why do you think the author chose to incorporate their relationship into the novel?