Nervous Conditions: Analysis of Major Characters

Question 1

Babamukuru

Answer 1

central male presence
old and enigmatic figure
dual roles - parent & administrator = conflict
pawn of those who have offered him assistance
doesn’t want a higher degree but stoically accepts his duty - Faustian Pact but compulsory

Question 2

Maiguru

Answer 2

complex, often contradictory, and multilayered
conflicting attitudes suggest deep divide in her perception of herself as a woman and as an African
concerned at how Anglicized her children are

Question 3

Nyasha

Answer 3

dire consequences of these conflicting cultural pressures
highly intelligent, perceptive, and inquisitive
complex and multifaceted, her dual nature reflects her status as the product of two worlds, Africa and England.
initially thrives in unresolved state and sees inconsistencies in feelings as an opportunity to grow
Nyasha begins to resent her outspoken nature = self-hatred, a dangerously negative body image = eating disorder
symbolic victim of the pressures to embrace modernity

Question 4

Tambu

Answer 4

dual perspective of narrators gives the novel richness and complexity

Question 5

Chido

Answer 5

as he spends increasing amounts of time with the Baker boys he retracts from the novel which could symbolise his emancipation from the black hierarchal society or it could imply that assimilation into white culture cuts you off from your family.