29th Annual Student Research Conference
A Study of Empowered Lucia in Tsitsi Dangarembga's Nervous Conditions
Ramey D. HOEHN
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
In the novel Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga, Tambu's aunt Lucia is an independent-minded woman that defies social norms. Lucia rejects cultural expectations by not having a husband, not letting the men in her family make decisions for her, and by having sex before marriage. Lucia, as a single mother, manipulates Babamukuru, manages to get a job, and goes to school in order to provide for her newborn son. This paper will examine how Lucia's empowerment, despite her poverty, can be understood through her rejection of the oppressive institution of marriage.
Keywords: Tsitsi Dangarembga, Nervous Conditions, Lucia, Marriage, Tambu, Feminism, Empowerment, Colonialism
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: -4
Location: MG 1000
Time: 1:45