Essays on Nervous Conditions and Related Readings (Literature Connections Source Book, High School Level)

In Nervous Conditions, Tambudzai is a young girl growing up in Rhodesia during the 1960s. She is torn between her desire to get an education and her duty to her family. She eventually decides to go to school, but her education is cut short when she becomes pregnant. She returns home, where she must confront the realities of her country’s racial and gender inequality. The novel follows Tambudzai as she comes of age and tries to find her place in a society that is constantly changing.In the related readings, students will find articles about the historical context of the novel, the author’s life, and interviews with the author. They will also find essays about the themes of the novel, including race, gender, and colonialism.