Nervous Conditions Chapter 1

Here we are introduced to Tambudzai--- known as Tambu--- whose first words to the reader are, “I was not sorry when my brother died.” This is followed by the statement that she feels no guilt for this, either, implying that the narrator is a strong woman. She writes from the perspective of an adult woman, reflecting upon her youthful journey.  

We learn of her background, that of a poor African native, growing up in abject poverty, in a remote and rural village. Born around 1955, her formative years are described in colorful detail, but with a heavy undertone of very hard work, and a growing resentment of the patriarchy of her culture. This resentment is at odds with her desire to embrace her heritage, and to not see it lost to the steady British influence being introduced by missionaries. Even at this very young age, the seeds of doubt have been planted in her mind, those that question the correctness of a society dominated by men, with women being secondary subjects. She resents the fact that her brother is given the opportunity to seek formal education, but that she is not, because of her gender, and the hierarchy within the family unit.  

Her older brother Nhamo is sent to attend the mission school, where their successful uncle, Babamukuru, is the headmaster.  

Her brother’s occasional visits to the family home concern Tambu, as she observes that he is fully embracing the English ways, and is losing touch with his own heritage. While always somewhat of a bully to Tambu, he now gloats and expresses how much better he is than his lowly sister, now that he is becoming educated. Nhamo’s unearned role as a superior to females manifests as meanness and lack of concern. He is perfectly capable of performing certain tasks (such as carrying his own luggage when returning to the house from a school session), but simply chooses to have his sister perform the tasks. He enjoys the superiority that is conveyed by having them act as his servants. He expresses little care or concern for the welfare of his sisters, instead choosing to discuss both his own exalted status and Tambu’s inferiority.  

Headmaster Babamakuru is the family patriarch. He had sought higher education in England, where for five years he and his family stayed. Even Tambu’s father, Jeremiah, readily and frequently ceded decision-making to Babamukuru. As the educated and successful member of the family, his guidance is considered to carry the most weight of all family members. When Babamukuru suggests that Nhamo attend the boarding school of which he was headmaster, so that Nhamo could bring his own family out of poverty, Jeremiah offers no resistance.  

Nhamo had already proven himself to be a good student, and being selected to attend the boarding school only boosted his own ego, while conversely compelling him to recognize the status of his own sister drop accordingly. He also found the poverty and squalor of his own home less and less tolerable over time, and thus returned home as infrequently as he was allowed. Babamukuru sometimes insisted that Nhamo return home, and to do so on the bus (which Nhamo despised, preferring to be driven home in Bababmukuru’s car), in order to maintain Nhamo’s humility.  

We are introduced to Tambu’s younger siblings, as well, two younger sisters; Netsai, who is old enough to assist with the menial labor, and Rambanai, who is still a toddler.  

Analysis: 

Opening with an excellent “hook,” the reader is drawn into the story immediately with questions about why the narrator, Tambu, expresses such indifference to the passing of her own brother. Some hints are given, but few answers are offered in this opening chapter.  

We are introduced to a number of the themes that the book will follow, but without clear explanation yet. We learn that the narrator is an adult looking back on her experiences, and while the memory is tempered by time and the adult perspective, we are also able to see the events through the eyes of a child, as well.  

When relating these events of the past, the narrator introduces her own first thoughts that questioned the customs and culture that imbued greater authority to certain people based upon their gender, race, or education status.  The unfairness of benefits being bestowed upon those who simply take them for granted is explored as we see Tambu’s brother carelessly treat his education, while flaunting his own privilege to others.