Ms. Lum
2005-2006

Nervous Conditions

By: Tsitsi Dangarembga
Essential Questions:
What is the relationship between colonialism (power) and literature (education)?
How does the shift from assimilation and aculturation to cultural imperialism take place?
Group Questions:  
1.jjjjjWhat is colonialism?

SFPL>Student Resource Center
>Cecil John Rhodes
>Africa in the Twentieth Century, 1914-1996

Missionary Activity in South Africa during the19th Century

Extent of Colonialism

Colonialism in Africa: Lecture Notes

Colonialism and Imperialism Resource
From the Chico High School Library

2.jjjjjWhat historical events provide a background for 1960s
Rhodesia/Zimbabwe in the story?

SFPL>Student Resource Center
>Zimbabwe (Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations)

The Story of Africa: Africa and Europe 1800-1914

Africa Net: Zimbabwe History

3.jjjjjWhat aspects of Shona culture form a foundation for understanding the story in Nervous Conditions?

The Mbira Page: Shona Culture

Shona Religion and Beliefs

The Mbira Page:
Sadza ne Nyama: A Shona Staple Dish

Languages of Zimbabwe

Shona Stone Sculpures

Shona Praise Poetry

SFPL>Student Resource Center
>Shona Proverbs from Zimbabwe

>Debunking patriarchy: the liberational quality of voicing in Tsitsi Dangarembga's 'Nervous Conditions.'
>Purging a plate full of colonial history: The 'Nervous Conditions' of silent girls

4.jjjjjWhat information about the author, Tsitsi Dangarembga, is helpful to understanding the story in Nervous Conditions?

Tsitsi Dangarembga (1959-)

African Authors

Tsitsi Dangarembga: Emory University

SFPL>Literature Resource Center
>Tsitisi Dangarembga

5.jjjjjFor 5th period only:
What can we learn about Shona culture through music?

The Music of Zimbabwe

SFPL>Student Resource Center
>Music in rural Zimbabwe: the Chaminuka effect

Handout: Nervous Conditions Student Handout  

Mission High School
Library Media Center
Laraine Cook
Library Media Teacher
Last Update: October 3, 2007