In class today, someone mentioned that he thought Tambu's rebellion was one of bad timing. Had she been more clever and self-preserving, she would have waited until her schooling was through and she had milked all she could from her situation at the mission. I certainly see where this is coming from. By rebelling against Babamukuru at such an important juncture in their family's interactions, she put everything on the line. She risked her luxurious living quarters, her camaraderie with Nyasha and most significantly, her education.
It is precisely this, though, that tells me her rebellion was in absolute earnest. Knowing that her actions would anger Babamukuru, she went forth anyway and stood up for her beliefs. One can argue the timing of this rebellion no end, but the sincerity of it can never be doubted. She was so deeply affected by what this wedding represented that she decided she could be no part of it. We do know that half of her "maniacally" wanted to go, and I believe this is just as important. At the beginning of the novel and also of Tambu's shift from homestead to mission life, Tambu tells us that she was happy to embody the role of the poor peasant girl who ought to and would be forever grateful in both behavior and words for the fortune which Babamukuru has bestowed her. This mentality stuck with her through most of her stay with her uncle's family and also at school, but when Tambu is confronted with the issue of her parents' wedding, we become aware that she can no longer be this subdued, ever-obliging young girl.
The moment Tambu decides not to go to wedding is the moment Tambu has finally found devotion to herself, not Babamukuru.
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"By rebelling against Babamukuru at such an important juncture in their family's interactions, she put everything on the line. She risked her luxurious living quarters, her camaraderie with Nyasha and most significantly, her education.
ReplyDeleteIt is precisely this, though, that tells me her rebellion was in absolute earnest. Knowing that her actions would anger Babamukuru, she went forth anyway and stood up for her beliefs"
I think that couldn't be any truer. Frankly, I think by the end of the novel, everyone is giving Babamakuru the middle finger. He is the person who represents everything nobody wants. He represents someone who believes in the power of English education - even though Maiguru has a degree, she doesn't push it like he does - and someone who believes in the values of the traditional homestead.
Dude, you can't have both. You're trying, and that's why you're sinking. As horrible as it sounds, I think Babamakuru symbolizes the idea that compromise between the two is next to impossible. He does everything he can for his family by providing material wealth, but as we saw with the wedding, how effective was that really?
Standing up to him is standing up for your choice. Nyasha's choice is neither one or the other, and I think that's what makes the audience sympathetic to her eating disorder. Tambu's choice could be seen as either - choosing the traditional because it is clear that her parents don't actually want the wedding, but could be seen as a "white choice" because she is being so "rebellious."
What complex characters we have.
Tambu did a brave thing by standing up to Babamukuru and by putting her reason for existing, obtaining an education, she risked everything. However, I do not see it as a time factor. Tambu stood up for what she believed and that is something to be admired. I know she was torn between the two but if you do not agree with something no one can make you. I do believe that her rebellion was earnest and just because everything was on the line did not mean that her whole being was going to cease. She worked to get her education the first time, so if she had lost everything I'm almost positive she would have found another open door. She realized that Babamukuru was not god. Tambu's rebellion was successful.
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