Post-Colonial Women’s Post-Colonial Women’s Literature as a Tool for Literature as a Tool for Assisting Social Work Assisting Social Work

Students to Understand of Students to Understand of the Impact of Colonization on the Impact of Colonization on

the Lives of Women in the Lives of Women in Developing African Societies. Developing African Societies.

By Pat Groves, Ph.D.By Pat Groves, Ph.D.Professor of Women’s and Professor of Women’s and Gender StudiesGender StudiesThe University of ToledoThe University of Toledo

• Nervous Conditions Nervous Conditions was written by was written by Tsitsi Dangarembga in 1968. The novel Tsitsi Dangarembga in 1968. The novel tells the story of loss involved in the tells the story of loss involved in the colonization of one culture by another. It colonization of one culture by another. It is set in the settler colony of Rhodesia in is set in the settler colony of Rhodesia in the sixties, as the struggle for the sixties, as the struggle for independence from the British was independence from the British was heating up.heating up.

•

• The story focuses on the life of two young girls: The story focuses on the life of two young girls: • Tambu, from the rural area realizes her dream Tambu, from the rural area realizes her dream

when her wealthy uncle offers her to sponsor her when her wealthy uncle offers her to sponsor her education. She learns that there is a price to pay education. She learns that there is a price to pay for the education she earns at the mission school.for the education she earns at the mission school.

• Tambu’s cousin, Nyasha is the daughter of Tambu’s cousin, Nyasha is the daughter of Tambu’s uncle and has spent much of her life in Tambu’s uncle and has spent much of her life in Great Britain. She has become a stranger to her Great Britain. She has become a stranger to her own people, no longer to speak Shona, the native own people, no longer to speak Shona, the native language. It is she, who pays the full cost of language. It is she, who pays the full cost of alienation, developing anorexia, a western alienation, developing anorexia, a western disorder, as a means to gain control over her life, disorder, as a means to gain control over her life, dominated by her father.dominated by her father.

ThemesThemes• Modernity versus Tradition: Coping with AlienationModernity versus Tradition: Coping with Alienation

– Dangarembga addresses this issue through the interweaving of Tambu Dangarembga addresses this issue through the interweaving of Tambu in her environment and the development of her female body.in her environment and the development of her female body.

– Ann Elizabeth Wiley has pointed to the development of the village as a Ann Elizabeth Wiley has pointed to the development of the village as a process that cannot be controlled by the villagers, just as Tambu resists process that cannot be controlled by the villagers, just as Tambu resists being gendered by her adolescent development. Tambu’s brother dies being gendered by her adolescent development. Tambu’s brother dies from illness at the beginning of the story. This event enables Tambu to from illness at the beginning of the story. This event enables Tambu to ultimately break with tradition and take his place at the mission school. ultimately break with tradition and take his place at the mission school. Prior to his death, as Tambu dreams of going to school, she asks her Prior to his death, as Tambu dreams of going to school, she asks her brother why she cannot also attend school. He responds that it is brother why she cannot also attend school. He responds that it is because she is a girl. “I was no longer listening. My concern for my because she is a girl. “I was no longer listening. My concern for my brother died and unobtrusive death.brother died and unobtrusive death.

– The struggle she experiences through the rest of the novel is embodied The struggle she experiences through the rest of the novel is embodied in her two processes of development, bodily development and her in her two processes of development, bodily development and her educationeducation

– This novel differs from many others in that it deals with the clashes This novel differs from many others in that it deals with the clashes from tradition to modernity, not from a male, but from a female from tradition to modernity, not from a male, but from a female perspective. Males often experience alienation as a separation from perspective. Males often experience alienation as a separation from self and from one’s cherished traditions. For women, the life offered by self and from one’s cherished traditions. For women, the life offered by traditional culture is fraught with suffering. The culture clash is traditional culture is fraught with suffering. The culture clash is therefore viewed with greater struggle as one is pulled toward some of therefore viewed with greater struggle as one is pulled toward some of the benefits offered to women in modernity, while mourning the loss of the benefits offered to women in modernity, while mourning the loss of the positive aspects of tradition.the positive aspects of tradition.

• FoodFood– Every woman in the novel has a strong relationship to food: Every woman in the novel has a strong relationship to food:

growing, preparing, feeding others, feeding self growing, preparing, feeding others, feeding self– Tambu begins growing mealies (corn) as a means to finance Tambu begins growing mealies (corn) as a means to finance

her education prior to the death of her brother. This effort her education prior to the death of her brother. This effort is discouraged by her father, but her mother is supportive is discouraged by her father, but her mother is supportive even though she does not believe an education will benefit even though she does not believe an education will benefit a woman whose job it is to care for her family.a woman whose job it is to care for her family.

– When Tambu returns to visit her family after leaving for When Tambu returns to visit her family after leaving for boarding school, her uncle brings a goat which must be boarding school, her uncle brings a goat which must be prepared by the women. Of course after much time is prepared by the women. Of course after much time is spent in food preparation, the women serve the men.spent in food preparation, the women serve the men.

– Tambu’s aunt, Nyasha’s mother has a servant who Tambu’s aunt, Nyasha’s mother has a servant who prepares the food on in a western kitchen, one of the ways prepares the food on in a western kitchen, one of the ways that modern life has a strong pull for Tambu who has grown that modern life has a strong pull for Tambu who has grown up on a rural farm where cooking is done on an open fire.up on a rural farm where cooking is done on an open fire.

– Nyasha develops an eating disorder, and ultimately is Nyasha develops an eating disorder, and ultimately is hospitalized and treated by a western physician.hospitalized and treated by a western physician.

• EducationEducation– Tambu, through her educational experience is faced Tambu, through her educational experience is faced

with the intersection of individual consciousness and with the intersection of individual consciousness and social conditions. She must come to self realization social conditions. She must come to self realization in the context of her community. Is this the in the context of her community. Is this the community of her traditional family or the community community of her traditional family or the community of her uncle and his westernized experience.of her uncle and his westernized experience.

– Tambu’s aunt has achieved a master’s degree, yet Tambu’s aunt has achieved a master’s degree, yet still must assume the role of a woman in Shona still must assume the role of a woman in Shona culture.culture.

– Nyasha has, as a result of her education and life in Nyasha has, as a result of her education and life in Britain lost touch with the traditions of her ancestors Britain lost touch with the traditions of her ancestors and is unable to make a successful transition to and is unable to make a successful transition to modernity. She ultimately is lost to her eating modernity. She ultimately is lost to her eating disorder as a means to control her life in relation to disorder as a means to control her life in relation to her father. While westernized in his personal her father. While westernized in his personal dealings, he treats his daughter in traditional style.dealings, he treats his daughter in traditional style.

Educational RelevanceEducational Relevance

• Through reading this novel, the Through reading this novel, the students gain an understanding of students gain an understanding of the impact of colonialism and the impact of colonialism and encroaching modernity on the lives encroaching modernity on the lives of women. The text prepares of women. The text prepares students to develop a deeper students to develop a deeper understanding of the lives of women understanding of the lives of women in post-colonial African societies.in post-colonial African societies.

The Dilemma of a Ghost and The Dilemma of a Ghost and AnowaAnowa

A recent article in the New York Times highlights Ama Ata Adoo, the Ghanaian poet and novelist.A recent article in the New York Times highlights Ama Ata Adoo, the Ghanaian poet and novelist.

From the realms she calls "the outposts of the Empire," Ama Ata Aidoo, the Ghanaian poet andFrom the realms she calls "the outposts of the Empire," Ama Ata Aidoo, the Ghanaian poet andnovelist, has managed to transcend space, time and cultures to inspire and empower a generation novelist, has managed to transcend space, time and cultures to inspire and empower a generation of female writers. of female writers.

Ms. Aidoo's words reached Jean (Binta) Breeze, a young poet in Sandy Bay, Jamaica, and cured her Ms. Aidoo's words reached Jean (Binta) Breeze, a young poet in Sandy Bay, Jamaica, and cured her writer's block. They found Ramona Lofton, the writer known as Sapphire, in Professor Jerome Brooks' writer's block. They found Ramona Lofton, the writer known as Sapphire, in Professor Jerome Brooks' class at the City College of New York and led her to write her first novel, "Push," and a critically class at the City College of New York and led her to write her first novel, "Push," and a critically acclaimed collection of poems, "American Dreams." Michele Wallace, author of "Black Macho and acclaimed collection of poems, "American Dreams." Michele Wallace, author of "Black Macho and the Myth of the Superwoman," saidthe Myth of the Superwoman," saidMs. Aidoo helped reaffirm her faith in the power of the written word to teach and reach. Ms. Aidoo helped reaffirm her faith in the power of the written word to teach and reach.

The author has written two plays and published a collection of short stories and poems. She is most The author has written two plays and published a collection of short stories and poems. She is most noted for her two novels," Our Sister Killjoy" and "Changes," which present the joys and struggles of noted for her two novels," Our Sister Killjoy" and "Changes," which present the joys and struggles of contemporary African women. contemporary African women.

"As a young women growing up in Ghana, I didn't know that as a woman I wasn't supposed to "As a young women growing up in Ghana, I didn't know that as a woman I wasn't supposed to write," Ms. Aidoo said during one quiet moment in an otherwise hectic day. "Those of us who started write," Ms. Aidoo said during one quiet moment in an otherwise hectic day. "Those of us who started to write so early were at an advantage because we didn‘t know what was good for us, in terms of to write so early were at an advantage because we didn‘t know what was good for us, in terms of one's self as a writer." one's self as a writer."

Still, it took another 15 years "for me to begin to describe myself as a writer," she said. "On the one Still, it took another 15 years "for me to begin to describe myself as a writer," she said. "On the one hand, I had no problem writing. On the other hand, I clearly had a problem conceiving myself as a hand, I had no problem writing. On the other hand, I clearly had a problem conceiving myself as a writer." writer."

• Both works, Both works, the Dilemma of a ghost the Dilemma of a ghost and and AnowaAnowa, depict dramas that are , depict dramas that are fundamentally relevant to the lives of the fundamentally relevant to the lives of the students in the class (love and marriage), students in the class (love and marriage), so there is an emotional connection to so there is an emotional connection to the content, yet the students must be the content, yet the students must be able to let go of their own cultural able to let go of their own cultural perspectives in order to understand the perspectives in order to understand the contextual meaning of the works.contextual meaning of the works.

• The Dilemma of a Ghost was first The Dilemma of a Ghost was first presented by the Students’ Theatre presented by the Students’ Theatre at the University of Ghana in March at the University of Ghana in March of 1964. The play has been of 1964. The play has been republished in 1987, 1995, and 1997.republished in 1987, 1995, and 1997.

• The story is of a young Ghanaian man (Ato The story is of a young Ghanaian man (Ato Yawson) who goes to university in the Yawson) who goes to university in the United States and falls in love with an United States and falls in love with an African American woman (Eulalie Yawson). African American woman (Eulalie Yawson). He marries her and brings her home to his He marries her and brings her home to his native village. The play brings forth the native village. The play brings forth the conflicts of tradition and modernity as the conflicts of tradition and modernity as the two young people struggle to live their lives two young people struggle to live their lives in harmony with Ato’s parents and the in harmony with Ato’s parents and the expectations that family and villagers have expectations that family and villagers have of an African man. of an African man.

• When Ato returns to his home after completion of his When Ato returns to his home after completion of his studies, his bride has accompanied him. His family studies, his bride has accompanied him. His family does not know he has married. They do not does not know he has married. They do not understand that a woman can come from a place understand that a woman can come from a place where she is not identified with a tribe. “Since I was where she is not identified with a tribe. “Since I was born, I have never heard of a human being born out born, I have never heard of a human being born out of the womb of a woman who has no tribe. Are of the womb of a woman who has no tribe. Are there trees which never have any roots?” there trees which never have any roots?”

• Initially they think she is white because tells them Initially they think she is white because tells them she is an American. Perhaps it would have been she is an American. Perhaps it would have been easier for the family to accept Eulalie’s strange ways easier for the family to accept Eulalie’s strange ways if she were white, as white colonials have long if she were white, as white colonials have long proven the unusual behaviors of white people. proven the unusual behaviors of white people.

• Because Eulalie is of African descent, Because Eulalie is of African descent, there may be a higher level of there may be a higher level of expectation that she will accept the expectation that she will accept the ways of the traditional culture. Eulalie ways of the traditional culture. Eulalie cannot accept cooking on an open fire cannot accept cooking on an open fire or pounding yam with a pestle. The or pounding yam with a pestle. The family thinks Ato is wasting his money family thinks Ato is wasting his money as he buys Eulalie a western stove.as he buys Eulalie a western stove.

• As a coping mechanism, Eulalie begins drinking As a coping mechanism, Eulalie begins drinking heavily, not acceptable behavior for an African heavily, not acceptable behavior for an African woman. When drunk, she pokes fun at Ato’s woman. When drunk, she pokes fun at Ato’s tradition and calls him “native boy.” Eulalie tradition and calls him “native boy.” Eulalie becomes fearful as she hears the beating of becomes fearful as she hears the beating of African drums. Her expectations of drumming African drums. Her expectations of drumming was that it would be like American Jazz or Spanish was that it would be like American Jazz or Spanish Mambo. She is fearful that the drumming might Mambo. She is fearful that the drumming might be related to witch hunting and perhaps that she be related to witch hunting and perhaps that she is perceived as the witch. Her fears are put aside is perceived as the witch. Her fears are put aside when Ato explains that the drums she hears are when Ato explains that the drums she hears are funeral drums.funeral drums.

• Ato and Eulalie decided at the time of their marriage to Ato and Eulalie decided at the time of their marriage to postpone childbearing until they were settled and postpone childbearing until they were settled and established. Ato has insisted that they stick with this plan, established. Ato has insisted that they stick with this plan, however, the family blames Eulalie for the lack of children. however, the family blames Eulalie for the lack of children. Certainly, children are extremely important in African Certainly, children are extremely important in African cultures and are indications of success. There are attempts cultures and are indications of success. There are attempts to use traditional medicine to enable the couple to to use traditional medicine to enable the couple to conceive. It is believed that the couple is displeasing the conceive. It is believed that the couple is displeasing the dead ancestors because they have not born children. dead ancestors because they have not born children. Eulalie understands that she is not accepted and is Eulalie understands that she is not accepted and is frustrated by Ato’s insistence that they stick with their plan frustrated by Ato’s insistence that they stick with their plan to postpone having children. Although he has made this to postpone having children. Although he has made this decision, it is she that bears the blame from family decision, it is she that bears the blame from family members.members.

After a fight between Ato and Eulalie, Ato is speaking to his mother:After a fight between Ato and Eulalie, Ato is speaking to his mother:Ato: I only asked her to come to the thanksgiving with me. But she refused and….Ato: I only asked her to come to the thanksgiving with me. But she refused and….Esi: And will she not refuse? I would have refused too if I were her. I would have know Esi: And will she not refuse? I would have refused too if I were her. I would have know

that I can always refuse to do things. Her womb has receded, has it not?that I can always refuse to do things. Her womb has receded, has it not?Ato: But her womb has not receded!Ato: But her womb has not receded!Esi: What are you telling me?Esi: What are you telling me?Ato: If we had wanted children, she would have given birth to some.Ato: If we had wanted children, she would have given birth to some.Esi: Everyone should come and listen to this. I have not heard anything like this before! Esi: Everyone should come and listen to this. I have not heard anything like this before!

Human beings deciding when they must have children? Meanwhile where is God? Human beings deciding when they must have children? Meanwhile where is God? Yet only a woman who is barren will tell her neighbors such a tale.Yet only a woman who is barren will tell her neighbors such a tale.

Ato: But it can be done.Ato: But it can be done.Esi: if it can be done, do it! But I am sure any woman who does it will die by the anger Esi: if it can be done, do it! But I am sure any woman who does it will die by the anger

of the ghosts of her fathers-or at least she will never get the children when she wants of the ghosts of her fathers-or at least she will never get the children when she wants them.them.

Esi: You do not even tell us about anything and we assemble our medicines together. Esi: You do not even tell us about anything and we assemble our medicines together. While all the time hour wife laughs at us because we do not understand such things…While all the time hour wife laughs at us because we do not understand such things…Yes, she laughs at us because we do not understand such things…..and we are angry Yes, she laughs at us because we do not understand such things…..and we are angry because we thing you are both doing what is not good for…. And yet who cam blame because we thing you are both doing what is not good for…. And yet who cam blame her? No stranger ever breaks the law. Hmm, my son. You have not dealt with us her? No stranger ever breaks the law. Hmm, my son. You have not dealt with us well. And you have not dealt with your wife wellwell. And you have not dealt with your wife well

• Esi: Yes, and I know Esi: Yes, and I know • They will tell you thatThey will tell you that• Before the stranger should dip his fingerBefore the stranger should dip his finger• Into the thick palm nut soup, Into the thick palm nut soup, • It is a townsman It is a townsman • Must have told him to.Must have told him to.• And we must be careful with your wifeAnd we must be careful with your wife• You tell us her mother is deadYou tell us her mother is dead• If she had any tenderness, If she had any tenderness, • Her ghost must be keeping watch over herHer ghost must be keeping watch over her• All which happen to her.All which happen to her.• (to Eulalie) Come my child.(to Eulalie) Come my child.

• The play ends ambiguously, with a song The play ends ambiguously, with a song that frequents Ato’s dreams in the voice of that frequents Ato’s dreams in the voice of children: Shall I go to Cape Coast? Shall I children: Shall I go to Cape Coast? Shall I go to Elmina? I can’t tell, Shall I? I can’t go to Elmina? I can’t tell, Shall I? I can’t tell…….tell…….

• The audience or reader is left with the sad The audience or reader is left with the sad impression that the situation cannot be impression that the situation cannot be rectified. There has been too much pain, rectified. There has been too much pain, too much misunderstanding.too much misunderstanding.

Educational RelevanceEducational Relevance

• The students are led to understand the The students are led to understand the difficulty in bridging the gaps between difficulty in bridging the gaps between traditional cultures and Western thought traditional cultures and Western thought and ways of doing things.and ways of doing things.

• For people who come from the West, our For people who come from the West, our ways seem right and acceptable. For ways seem right and acceptable. For people of traditional culture, it is difficult people of traditional culture, it is difficult to reconcile the differences and the move to reconcile the differences and the move to Westernization comes at great cost.to Westernization comes at great cost.

AnowaAnowa

• This play is based on an old This play is based on an old Ghanaian legend. A young woman Ghanaian legend. A young woman decides against her parents’ wishes, decides against her parents’ wishes, to marry the man she loves. In spite to marry the man she loves. In spite of amassing great wealth, Anowa of amassing great wealth, Anowa realizes that there is something realizes that there is something wrong with the life they have built.wrong with the life they have built.

• Anowa is a strong willed young woman who Anowa is a strong willed young woman who has refused the hand of those who have has refused the hand of those who have offered to marry her. The women in the offered to marry her. The women in the village talk behind her back and wonder what village talk behind her back and wonder what is wrong with her. The consensus seems to is wrong with her. The consensus seems to be that her mother has spoiled her because be that her mother has spoiled her because of her charm and beauty. There are also of her charm and beauty. There are also thoughts that she is born to be a priestess thoughts that she is born to be a priestess rather than to assume the traditional role of rather than to assume the traditional role of an African woman as wife and mother. an African woman as wife and mother.

• Badua (Anowa’s mother) is distraught that her daughter could become a Badua (Anowa’s mother) is distraught that her daughter could become a priestess. She recites the following lament that underscores the importance priestess. She recites the following lament that underscores the importance of marriage in traditional cultures:of marriage in traditional cultures:

• Her assessment of being a priestess:Her assessment of being a priestess:

• They counsel with spirits;They counsel with spirits;• They read into other men’s souls;They read into other men’s souls;• They swallow dogs eyesThey swallow dogs eyes• Jump firesJump fires• Drink goats bloodDrink goats blood• Sheep milkSheep milk• Without flinching Without flinching • Or vomiting.Or vomiting.• They do not feelThey do not feel• As you or I,As you or I,• They have no shame.They have no shame.

• She says this about her hopes for her daughter to marry and bear children. Still, She says this about her hopes for her daughter to marry and bear children. Still, there is the recognition that her daughter has potential beyond that of the ordinary there is the recognition that her daughter has potential beyond that of the ordinary woman:woman:

• I want my childI want my child• To be a human womanTo be a human woman• Marry a man,Marry a man,• Tend a farmTend a farm• And be happy to see her peppers and onions grow.And be happy to see her peppers and onions grow.• A woman like her should bear children,A woman like her should bear children,• So she can afford to haveSo she can afford to have• One or two die.One or two die.• Should she not take her place at meetingsShould she not take her place at meetings• Among the men and women of the clan?Among the men and women of the clan?• And sit on my chair when I am gone?And sit on my chair when I am gone?• And a captainship in the armyAnd a captainship in the army• Should not be beyond herShould not be beyond her• When the time is ripe.When the time is ripe.

• When Anowa tells her parents that Kofi Ako When Anowa tells her parents that Kofi Ako has asked her to marry him, her mother is has asked her to marry him, her mother is not pleased. Her mother describes Kofi: not pleased. Her mother describes Kofi: “…Anowa, why Kofi Ako? Of all the mothers “…Anowa, why Kofi Ako? Of all the mothers that are here in Yebi, should I be the one that are here in Yebi, should I be the one whose daughter would want to marry this whose daughter would want to marry this fool, this good-for-nothing cassava man, fool, this good-for-nothing cassava man, this watery male of all watery males? This-this watery male of all watery males? This-I-am-the-handsome-one-with-a-stick-I-am-the-handsome-one-with-a-stick-between-my-teeth-in-the-market-place…..”between-my-teeth-in-the-market-place…..”

• On one hand, Anowa has been spared the On one hand, Anowa has been spared the suffering of becoming a priestess, yet, she is suffering of becoming a priestess, yet, she is set to marry a man with little promise to bring set to marry a man with little promise to bring her a successful family life.her a successful family life.

• Also, there is the struggle of seeing a strong Also, there is the struggle of seeing a strong woman, choosing what she wants for herself woman, choosing what she wants for herself and letting go of the traditional value of and letting go of the traditional value of choosing a proper husband for your daughter.choosing a proper husband for your daughter.

• Ultimately, the couple marries and they seem Ultimately, the couple marries and they seem to be deeply in love. They are engaged in to be deeply in love. They are engaged in hunting animals and selling the furs. This hunting animals and selling the furs. This endeavor takes them deep into the wilderness endeavor takes them deep into the wilderness where Anowa’s strength and independence where Anowa’s strength and independence makes her a good hunter and wilderness makes her a good hunter and wilderness traveler. Mud and cold do not get in her way.traveler. Mud and cold do not get in her way.

• Their trade involves the white colonials and Their trade involves the white colonials and they are able to accumulate large amounts of they are able to accumulate large amounts of money from their dealings with white men.money from their dealings with white men.

• As their wealth grows, they are able to buy a As their wealth grows, they are able to buy a house and obtain many western house and obtain many western accoutrements. Kofi decides to purchase accoutrements. Kofi decides to purchase slaves, much to Anowa’s dismay. She slaves, much to Anowa’s dismay. She protests, but, ultimately he wins.protests, but, ultimately he wins.

• Anowa sees slavery as selling out to western Anowa sees slavery as selling out to western interest and accumulating financial wealth interest and accumulating financial wealth rather than building family and community.rather than building family and community.

• Kofi loses his sexual interest in Anowa and Kofi loses his sexual interest in Anowa and she urges him to take another wife in she urges him to take another wife in order to produce children. He refuses.order to produce children. He refuses.

• Anowa’s parents develop the myth that Anowa’s parents develop the myth that Anowa and Kofi have sold their birth seeds Anowa and Kofi have sold their birth seeds in order to acquire financial wealth.in order to acquire financial wealth.

• The couple has two slave children that The couple has two slave children that double as servants and as children. double as servants and as children. Anowa cannot accept these children as Anowa cannot accept these children as substitutes for birth children and states substitutes for birth children and states that an adopted child is always an adopted that an adopted child is always an adopted child and a slave always a slave.child and a slave always a slave.

• Kofi ultimately tries to send Anowa away, as she Kofi ultimately tries to send Anowa away, as she will not relent in her desire for Kofi to produce a will not relent in her desire for Kofi to produce a child with her or another woman. He seems child with her or another woman. He seems consumed with the desire to accumulate wealth consumed with the desire to accumulate wealth and to live the life that comes with his dealings and to live the life that comes with his dealings with white colonials.with white colonials.

• Anowa accuses Kofi of not being a man. (Is he Anowa accuses Kofi of not being a man. (Is he having homosexual relations with his slaves or having homosexual relations with his slaves or has he lost interest in sex altogether?).has he lost interest in sex altogether?).

• The accusation is too much for Kofi to bear and The accusation is too much for Kofi to bear and he finally shoots himself. In response, Anowa he finally shoots himself. In response, Anowa drowns herself.drowns herself.

Educational RelevanceEducational Relevance

• The story has a tragic ending, the ultimate response to the The story has a tragic ending, the ultimate response to the conflicts between tradition and western desire. It is the conflicts between tradition and western desire. It is the desire for wealth that eats the couple alive. The villagers desire for wealth that eats the couple alive. The villagers suggest that Anowa ate Kofi up, and yet it was desire for suggest that Anowa ate Kofi up, and yet it was desire for wealth that turned him from his historical meaning in life, to wealth that turned him from his historical meaning in life, to produce children and continue the lines of his ancestors. produce children and continue the lines of his ancestors.

• The villagers say of Anowa: “Anowa behaved as though The villagers say of Anowa: “Anowa behaved as though she were a heroine in a story. Some of us wish she had she were a heroine in a story. Some of us wish she had been happier and that her life had not had so much of the been happier and that her life had not had so much of the familiar human scent in it. She is true to herself. She familiar human scent in it. She is true to herself. She refused to comeback here to Yebi, to our gossiping and our refused to comeback here to Yebi, to our gossiping and our judgments. Osam and Badua have gone with the others to judgments. Osam and Badua have gone with the others to bring the two bodies home to Yebi. Ow, if there is life after bring the two bodies home to Yebi. Ow, if there is life after death, Anowa’s spirit will certainly have something to say death, Anowa’s spirit will certainly have something to say about that.”about that.”

So Long a LetterSo Long a Letter

• Mariama BA was born in Dakar Senegal. Mariama BA was born in Dakar Senegal. She was brought up as a Muslim by her She was brought up as a Muslim by her maternal grandparents. As a writer, she maternal grandparents. As a writer, she believed her ‘sacred mission” was to strike believed her ‘sacred mission” was to strike out at archaic practices, traditions, and out at archaic practices, traditions, and customs that are not truly a part of customs that are not truly a part of cultural heritage. This novel, originally cultural heritage. This novel, originally written in French, has been translated into written in French, has been translated into sixteen languages and won the first Noma sixteen languages and won the first Noma award for an African novel. Certainly, her award for an African novel. Certainly, her work can be defined as feminist since she work can be defined as feminist since she criticizes patriarchal practices.criticizes patriarchal practices.

• The novel is written as a letter by The novel is written as a letter by Ramatoulye to her friend, Assatou.Ramatoulye to her friend, Assatou.

• Ramatoulye has been recently widowedRamatoulye has been recently widowed

• Her husband had taken a second wife, Her husband had taken a second wife, acceptable in her Islamic culture, as acceptable in her Islamic culture, as well as many traditional African well as many traditional African cultures, but Ramotoulay felt betrayed cultures, but Ramotoulay felt betrayed and rejected by his action.and rejected by his action.

• ““this is the moment dreaded by every this is the moment dreaded by every Senegalese woman, the moment when Senegalese woman, the moment when she sacrifices her possessions as gifts to she sacrifices her possessions as gifts to her family-in-law; and, worse still, her family-in-law; and, worse still, beyond her possessions, she gives up beyond her possessions, she gives up her personality, her dignity, becoming a her personality, her dignity, becoming a thing in the service of the man who has thing in the service of the man who has married her, his grandfather, his married her, his grandfather, his grandmother, his mother, his brother, grandmother, his mother, his brother, his sister, his uncle, his aunt, his male his sister, his uncle, his aunt, his male and female cousins, his friends.”and female cousins, his friends.”

• As is customary, Modu’s brother proposes marriage to As is customary, Modu’s brother proposes marriage to Ramatoulye. He says to her: “I shall marry you. You suit me Ramatoulye. He says to her: “I shall marry you. You suit me as a wife, and further, you will continue to live here, just as if as a wife, and further, you will continue to live here, just as if Modou were not dead. Usually, it is the younger brother who Modou were not dead. Usually, it is the younger brother who inherits his elder brother’s wife. In this case, it is the inherits his elder brother’s wife. In this case, it is the opposite. You are my good luck. I shall marry you. I prefer opposite. You are my good luck. I shall marry you. I prefer you to the other one (Modu’s second wife), too frivolous, too you to the other one (Modu’s second wife), too frivolous, too young. I advised Modou against that marriage.young. I advised Modou against that marriage.

• Ramatoulye responds in the presence of Modu’s other brother Ramatoulye responds in the presence of Modu’s other brother and the Imam: “Did you ever have any affection for your and the Imam: “Did you ever have any affection for your brother? Already you want to build a new home for yourself, brother? Already you want to build a new home for yourself, over a body that is still warm. While we are praying for over a body that is still warm. While we are praying for Modou, you are thinking of future wedding festivities.”Modou, you are thinking of future wedding festivities.”

• Ramatoulye pointed out that the other brother did not Ramatoulye pointed out that the other brother did not properly care for his wives and make it clear that she would properly care for his wives and make it clear that she would marry none of them. Partially, her angry response was in marry none of them. Partially, her angry response was in revenge for the day when they airily informed her of Modu’s revenge for the day when they airily informed her of Modu’s marriage to a second wife.marriage to a second wife.

• As a widow, who had turned down the As a widow, who had turned down the customary marriage to the brother of her customary marriage to the brother of her deceased husband, Ramatoulye was deceased husband, Ramatoulye was available for marriage to other men. She available for marriage to other men. She was approached by her former suitor. She was approached by her former suitor. She truly enjoyed his company, but turned truly enjoyed his company, but turned down his proposal because he also had down his proposal because he also had another family. She would not do to his another family. She would not do to his family, that which had been done to hers.family, that which had been done to hers.

• The success of the family is born of a The success of the family is born of a couple’s harmony, as the harmony of couple’s harmony, as the harmony of multiple instruments creates a pleasant multiple instruments creates a pleasant symphony.symphony.

• The nation is made up of all the families, The nation is made up of all the families, rich or poor, united or separated, aware or rich or poor, united or separated, aware or unaware. The success of the nation unaware. The success of the nation therefore depends inevitably on the family.therefore depends inevitably on the family.

• The story ends when Ramatoulye’s young adult, The story ends when Ramatoulye’s young adult, unmarried daughter gives birth to a baby fathered unmarried daughter gives birth to a baby fathered by her boyfriend. There is a plan for the two to by her boyfriend. There is a plan for the two to finish their schooling and then marry.finish their schooling and then marry.

• Ramatoulye says: “I am not indifferent to the Ramatoulye says: “I am not indifferent to the irreversible currents of women’s liberation that are irreversible currents of women’s liberation that are lashing the world. This commotion that is shaking lashing the world. This commotion that is shaking up every aspect of our lives reveals and illustrates up every aspect of our lives reveals and illustrates our abilities. My heart rejoices each time a woman our abilities. My heart rejoices each time a woman emerges from the shadows. I know the field of our emerges from the shadows. I know the field of our gains is unstable, the retention of conquests gains is unstable, the retention of conquests difficult: social constraints are ever present and difficult: social constraints are ever present and male egoism resists.male egoism resists.

• Instruments for some, baits for others, Instruments for some, baits for others, respected or despised, often muzzled, all respected or despised, often muzzled, all women have almost the same fate, women have almost the same fate, which religions or unjust legislation have which religions or unjust legislation have sealed. My reflections determine my sealed. My reflections determine my attitude to the problems of life. I attitude to the problems of life. I analyze the decisions that decide our analyze the decisions that decide our future. I widen my scope by taking an future. I widen my scope by taking an interest in current world affairs. interest in current world affairs.

• I remain persuaded of the inevitable and necessary I remain persuaded of the inevitable and necessary complementarity of man and woman. Love, imperfect complementarity of man and woman. Love, imperfect as it may be in its content and expression, remains as it may be in its content and expression, remains the natural link between these two beings.the natural link between these two beings.

• To love one another. If only each partner could move To love one another. If only each partner could move sincerely towards the other. If each could only melt sincerely towards the other. If each could only melt into the other If each would only accept the other’s into the other If each would only accept the other’s successes and failures. If each would only praise the successes and failures. If each would only praise the other’s qualities instead of listing his faults. If each other’s qualities instead of listing his faults. If each could only correct bad habits without harping on could only correct bad habits without harping on about them. If each could penetrate the other’s most about them. If each could penetrate the other’s most secret haunts to forestall failure and be a support secret haunts to forestall failure and be a support while tending to the evils that are repressed.while tending to the evils that are repressed.

Educational RelevanceEducational Relevance• Is this work feminist? The discussion of traditional Is this work feminist? The discussion of traditional

family life might be questioned by those in our culture. family life might be questioned by those in our culture. Yet, the question seems to come from a feminist Yet, the question seems to come from a feminist framework in a culture that has often separated male framework in a culture that has often separated male and female culture.and female culture.

• Ramatoulye is looking at her daughter and her Ramatoulye is looking at her daughter and her relationship as potentially new in that it can be based relationship as potentially new in that it can be based upon love and respect between two people.upon love and respect between two people.

• She holds the view that the nation state is reflected She holds the view that the nation state is reflected and is revealed through the nature and stability of and is revealed through the nature and stability of family life.family life.

• There is a tension for women in the traditional cultural There is a tension for women in the traditional cultural practices that separate women from being able to practices that separate women from being able to have a sense of control over their own lives and over have a sense of control over their own lives and over the course of their family life. When men choose the course of their family life. When men choose additional wives, it can be seen as a betrayal of trust additional wives, it can be seen as a betrayal of trust and of the commitment to family.and of the commitment to family.