As we are presented with a new novel by Tsitsi Dangarembga we also find ourselves presented with a completely new Tambu. Though still clearly deserving, and probably in most cases still receiving, some pity from the readers, it is no longer quite so easily-earned. With Tambu's transition to her new school it would seem as though she has almost developed a completely different mindsest and outlook on life. As she is surrounded with various struggles forcing her into such turmoil, and truly has no one around her with whom she can confide her concerns, we see Tambu beginning to regress to a great extent more into her own concerns.
Due to the extreme amount of criticism and worries she finds herself dealt with everyday in her new lifestyle, Tambu decidedly takes up one main goal: to consume herself in her studies, and by doing so, to show everyone that she truly can exceed their expectations, and make the honor roll. Though definitely and ostensibly a positive goal in most respects, it does, however, have its negative effects on the protagonist. Keeping to herself constantly, and thinking of nothing but herself and how exactly she should always act and respond in each situation constantly, she becomes extremely caught up in herself. She ultimately decides on a certain outcome that she would like herself to reach, or a certain image that she would like for others to ultimately see. This drives her to do whatever she feels she must do in order to reach this point, though unfortunately seems to fail at most of these tasks along the way.
As selfish as this new Tambu might seem, as she focuses extensively and primarily on herself and her own self-progression, we still must consider just why exactly it is that she finds herself forced to do this. Placed in the position that she is, having no real friends or alternative goals to strive for, what more could we really expect her to do at this point? Rather than dwelling on and wallowing in her misfortunes she does the productive thing that she knows she can do- submerges herself in her studies and bettering herself to the best way that she knows to do so.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I think this is an interesting point. There is a tendency (for me at least) to blame Tambu's attitude for every problem in this novel. However, the communication breakdown between her and her room mates is a two way street. Ntombi clearly has her own reason for being terrified of the big brothers, and when she rages against Tambu for having the yarn to sew mittens and things for the Rhodisian armies, she clearly does not understand Tambu's own internal conflict over the path her sister has chosen. In some ways, Tambu's behavior is admirable considering her isolation and lack of friends- she is simply growing up the best she can in a world that is scary beyond our imagining.
ReplyDelete