Based on the novel “nervous conditions” by Tsitsi Dangarembga, ‘Excuse me, madam,’ Mr. Matimba said in English, in the softest voice, slipperiest
voice I had ever heard him use, speaking to an old white woman who walked arm
in arm with her husband. ‘Excuse me, Madam, we are selling green mealies, very
soft, very fresh, very sweet.’
Smiling brightly I held two cobs out while my stomach rolled itself into tight, nervous
knots. I did not like the way they looked, with their skin hanging in papery folds
from their bones, malignant-looking brown spots on their hands, a musty, dusty,
sweetish odour clinging around the woman like a haze. Making sure not to wrinkle
my nose, because these were the people who had the money that I needed to go
back to school, I smiled more broadly, showing all my teeth …. The old woman
looked at me shaking her head. ‘Ts-ts-ts-ts!’ she clicked (27-28).
Using the above extract as a starting point, write THREE paragraphs in which you
discuss critically how Tambu's suppressed disgust at the old couple (Doris and
George) is symbolic of her conflicted attitude towards the colonial system. You
must refer to various incidents in the novel to support your discussion.
Tambu's suppressed disgust at the old couple, Doris and George, in "Nervous Conditions," serves as a symbolic representation of her conflicted attitude towards the colonial system. Throughout the novel, Tambu struggles with the oppressive nature of the colonial system, which denies her education and limits her opportunities. However, she also recognizes the economic power and privilege that the colonizers possess, leading her to suppress her disgust in order to secure monetary support for her education.
Tambu's initial description of Doris and George reflects her internal conflict. She describes Doris with "malignant-looking brown spots on their hands" and a "musty, dusty, sweetish odor" that clings to her. These descriptions convey Tambu's repulsion towards the colonizers, emphasizing the physical and cultural differences between them. However, Tambu quickly masks her disgust, smiling and showing all her teeth, recognizing that these are the people who hold the power and money she needs for her education. This conflict highlights Tambu's desire to challenge the colonial system while simultaneously acknowledging its economic advantages.
Moreover, Tambu's interactions with the nuns at the mission school further illustrate her ambivalence towards the colonial system. Initially, Tambu is eager to learn and embrace the opportunities provided by the mission school. However, as she becomes more aware of the limitations imposed on her by the colonial framework of education, her enthusiasm wanes. She describes the nuns as "fussy and condescending," highlighting the power dynamics between the colonizers and the colonized. This experience reinforces Tambu's conflicted attitude towards the colonial system, as she longs for education but resents the condescension and imposition it accompanies.
Additionally, Tambu's relationship with her cousin, Nyasha, further illuminates her complex attitude towards the colonial system. Nyasha rebels against the expectations imposed on her as a young woman from a white and African family. She challenges traditional gender roles and openly expresses her frustration with the discrimination and inequality inherent in the colonial system. Tambu admires Nyasha's defiance while also recognizing its consequences. This conflict illustrates Tambu's struggle between embracing resistance against the colonial system and acknowledging the potential repercussions it may bring.
In conclusion, Tambu's suppressed disgust at the old couple in "Nervous Conditions" symbolizes her conflicted attitude towards the colonial system. She recognizes the economic power and privilege held by the colonizers while also being repulsed by their cultural and physical differences. Tambu's interactions with the nuns at the mission school and her relationship with Nyasha further illustrate her internal struggle in navigating the oppressive system. Through Tambu's character, the novel explores the complexities of resistance and negotiation within the colonial context.
Tambu's suppressed disgust at the old couple, Doris and George, can be seen as symbolic of her conflicted attitude towards the colonial system in "Nervous Conditions." On one hand, Tambu needs the support of these white individuals, as they have the financial means to help her pursue her education. This represents the power and privilege that the colonial system affords to the white population, forcing Tambu to navigate her aspirations within this unequal power dynamic.
However, Tambu's suppressed disgust also reflects her resistance to internalizing the colonial system's ideals and values. The old couple's physical appearance, with their aged, unattractive features, represents the decay and corruption that the colonial system has brought upon the indigenous people. Tambu's hesitation in showing her disgust by wrinkling her nose signifies her rejection of their oppressive influence. She recognizes that she must suppress her revulsion in order to maintain a polite and friendly demeanor, as she depends on the old couple's economic support. This conveys Tambu's internal struggle to balance her aspirations with her rejection of the colonial system.
Throughout the novel, Tambu's conflicted attitude towards the colonial system is further exemplified in her interactions with Babamukuru, her uncle and the messenger of the colonial regime. Tambu respects Babamukuru as a figure of authority and education, but she also resents him for perpetuating the colonial system's hierarchy within their family. Despite her desire to challenge the system, Tambu recognizes that she must conform to gain the economic and educational benefits it offers. This internal conflict is reflected in her suppressed disgust towards the old couple, as it represents the contradicting emotions she experiences due to her dependence on the colonial system.
In conclusion, Tambu's suppressed disgust towards the old couple in "Nervous Conditions" symbolizes her conflicted attitude towards the colonial system. On one hand, she needs their support to achieve her educational aspirations, which highlights the power and privilege held by the white population within the colonial system. On the other hand, Tambu's reluctance to fully embrace the ideals and values of the colonial regime signifies her resistance and rejection of its oppressive influence. The portrayal of her internal struggle throughout the novel, including her interactions with Babamukuru, further emphasizes her conflicted attitude.
Tambu's suppressed disgust at the old couple, Doris and George, in the extract from "Nervous Conditions" provides a glimpse into her conflicted attitude towards the colonial system. Firstly, Tambu's attempt to conceal her disgust and present a smiling face while holding out the cobs of green mealies is symbolic of her dependence on the colonizers for financial support. Despite her distaste, she recognizes the economic power held by the white population and understands that she needs their money to pursue her education. This illustrates Tambu's understanding of the unequal power dynamics inherent in the colonial system and her willingness to suppress her emotions to navigate those power structures.
Furthermore, Tambu's description of Doris and George emphasizes their physical decay and highlights their otherness, depicting them as pale and frail beings with "skin hanging in papery folds." This portrayal reflects Tambu's perception of the colonizers as old and decaying, hinting at her conflicted feelings towards their presence in her society. On one hand, they hold the financial means that Tambu needs, but on the other hand, their physical deterioration is representative of the deterioration of the colonial system itself. This conflict is further exemplified by her observation of "malignant-looking brown spots" on their hands, which could symbolize the dark consequences of colonialism such as exploitation and racial discrimination.
Lastly, Tambu's suppressed disgust towards the old couple's musty, dusty, and sweetish odor can be seen as a metaphor for the ambivalence she feels towards the colonial system. The mustiness and dustiness reflect the oppressive and stagnant nature of colonization, while the sweetish scent suggests the benefits and allure of assimilation. Tambu is torn between her desire for education and the opportunities it brings, which are made possible by the colonial system, and her innate repulsion towards the same system that perpetuates inequality and injustices against her people.
In conclusion, Tambu's suppressed disgust towards the old couple, Doris and George, in "Nervous Conditions" symbolizes her conflicted feelings towards the colonial system. Her dependence on them for financial support, her recognition of the decay inherent in their physical appearance, and her ambivalence towards their musty, dusty, and sweetish odor all reflect the complexity of her attitude. Through the examination of various incidents in the novel, it becomes clear that Tambu is torn between the benefits offered by the colonial system and her desire to challenge and overcome its oppressive nature.