Nervous Conditions Chapter 9

Towards the end of the school year, a group of nuns visit the mission. The nuns are revered, as the well-dressed women are known for their service to God. This was why the Roman Catholic Church is considered superior to their own church.  

The nuns administer some tests to the students, as they are seeking qualified candidates for their upscale boarding school. Of all of the students tested, Tambu is the only one who qualifies for a scholarship there, and she is invited to attend. This is a great thrill to Tambu, as she sees this as a very important step in her quest to find a better path in life that will lead her to success.  

Nyasha, on the other hand, feels that the education offered by the nuns is indoctrination only, that of white people trying to take the African out of people. She does not approve, and has no desire to try to win a scholarship, even though she would probably qualify.  

Upon Tambu’s announcement that she has earned a scholarship to the boarding school, Babamukuru immediately tells her that this will not happen. He points out that since her mother has given birth to another boy, that the resources available to educate somebody in the family should be devoted to the boy. He reminds Tambu that she is expected to finish this school year, but that her role in life is to be found by a man who will then marry her, and take care of her. Tambu is not happy with this answer. Maiguru defends Tambu’s desire, and asks Babamukuru to reconsider. He eventually agrees to discuss the matter with Tambu’s father.  

Christmas break comes around again, and some of the family returns to the village. This time, though, not as many family members return, and Babamukuru does not bring the massive amount of food and provisions that he did the previous year. He only plans to stay for a short time this year, as well, but does find the time to discuss the scholarship with Tambu’s father. In spite of misgivings about the influence of white culture that attendance will likely have upon Tambu, the men agree to allow her to attend, due to the belief that she will receive a superior education.  

While at home, Tambu discovers that her mother is in very poor health, and suffers from debilitating depression. Lucia is summoned from the mission, and tasked with restoring Tambu’s mother’s health. Lucia’s methods are unconventional, but effective, and health is restored within a few days, at which time Lucia returns to the mission.  

Tambu’s mother’s depression is partially fueled by the idea of Tambu attending the convent school. She feels that Englishness is what killed her son, and fears that the same fate will befall Tambu.  

At the end of the break, Tambu returns to the mission, excited to share the news of her scholarship to the convent school with her classmates. She expects to bask in glory, but is disappointed to find that not only is she not respected, but that many of the other students are resentful towards her. Jealousy and disapproval because of her scholarship have led many of her friends to turn their backs on her, rejecting her openly. Tambu is bewildered by the behavior, but accepts it. Nyasha’s behavior is also of concern, as Tambu discovers that after meals, Nyasha has developed the habit of voluntarily vomiting her meals, in order to remain thin and fit, as English ways promote.  

Analysis:

Here we see that the colonization of Rhodesia has a profound effect on how children are educated. The convent’s purpose is to educate white colonizers’ children, but will also provide education to certain indigenous black children, as long as they meet certain criteria. Those requirements are there to ensure that only those willing to assimilate are accepted at the convent. Nyasha is not a good candidate, as she has demonstrated willful disobedience to authority, but Tambu is accepted, in part, because of her willingness to adapt.  

While Maiguru experiences her “new” lifestyle, one in which she does not meekly accept the patriarchal rules of before, she continues to press forward. She openly disagrees with Babamukuru in her argument that Tambu should be allowed to determine her own future. Her argument suggests that allowing only the men to decide is an outdated and invalid way of doing things.  

Eventually, Babamukuru and Jeremiah are still the ultimate decision makers. While their decision to allow Tambu to attend the convent school coincides with Tambu’s wishes, the fact that it is still their decision proves that patriarchy and sexism are still the controlling factors, whether for the old (Jeremiah) or new (Babamukuru).  

Tambu’s mother is greatly distressed by the decision to allow Tambu to attend the convent school. She fears that this will lead to the death of Tambu (through the effects of “Englishness”) and she cannot bear the idea of losing another child. The decision is not hers, though, as tonly the men may decide.  

Finally, Nyasha’s need to maintain some control manifests itself in her eating disorder. This is one of the few things that she can completely control. Or so she believes, until Babamukuru discovers her food habits, and demands changes.