The three questions this paper tries to answer are to what degree the African women in both novels are or are not being dominated, what plays a role in this power-play and whether there is a significant difference between the depiction of women in the two novels, as they are set in two different African regions, Kenya and Zimbabwe. In the first section, the historical background of both plots is outlined, followed by an analysis of selected female characters of both novels. In the last section, conclusions will be drawn comparing both novels, its characters, its authors and the respective history.
Men used to, and still do to some extent, dominate the literary sphere in Africa; therefore, the depiction of women was mostly that of a dutiful wife and mother. When this one-sided standard wasn’t met, the rebellious protagonist was shown to ‘suffer the tragic fate of the non-conformist’ , which comprehended dying or being outcasted. It might seem harmless at first, as it is ‘just’ literature, but it is important to consider the influential power it has on people’s perception of the world. For this reason, it became more and more important to analyze the representation of women in books and change it to a more positive picture. As the canon of female African writers started to grow, so did the multiplicity of different depictions of female characters. This change of view was not only to be found in female authors, but in male as well.
Both Ngugi wa Thiong'o’s A "Grain of Wheat" and Tsitsi Dangarembga’s "Nervous Conditions" depict different types of women and their dual struggle in finding their own female identity against both patriarchy and the colonizer.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Historical background of the two stories
- A Grain of Wheat
- Nervous Conditions
- Analysis of selected female characters in both books
- A Grain of Wheat
- Wambui
- Mumbi
- Nervous Conditions
- Tambudzai (Tambu)
- Nyasha
- Maiguru
- Lucia
- A Grain of Wheat
- Discussion and conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the portrayal of female characters in Ngugi wa Thiong'o's A Grain of Wheat and Tsitsi Dangarembga's Nervous Conditions, exploring the dual burden of oppression they face in their respective societies. The paper analyzes the historical context of both novels, and delves into the specific struggles of individual characters, focusing on their individual experiences with patriarchy and colonialism. The paper aims to determine the degree of domination faced by these women, the contributing factors, and whether there are significant differences in the depiction of women in the two novels, considering their differing settings in Kenya and Zimbabwe.
- The impact of colonialism on African women and their struggle for agency
- The influence of patriarchal structures on women's lives and identities
- The complexities of navigating Western education within a colonial context
- The portrayal of female resistance and resilience against societal pressures
- The exploration of different forms of female agency and their consequences
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter provides an introduction to the topic, highlighting the historical underrepresentation of women in African literature and the importance of analyzing their portrayal in texts. Chapter 2 focuses on the historical context of both novels, outlining the political and social conditions in Kenya and Zimbabwe during the periods in which the stories are set. This section examines the role of women in the fight for independence, highlighting their contributions to the struggle against colonialism. Chapter 3 analyzes the selected female characters in both novels, exploring their individual struggles with patriarchy and colonialism. This section examines the ways in which these characters navigate societal expectations, resist oppression, and strive to define their own identities.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on the portrayal of women in African literature, particularly in the context of colonialism and patriarchy. Key terms include: female identity, oppression, colonialism, patriarchy, African women, agency, resistance, education, and the historical context of Kenya and Zimbabwe.
- Quote paper
- Stefanie Dalvai (Author), 2018, Female characters in Ngugi wa Thiong'o’s "A Grain of Wheat" and Tsitsi Dangarembga`s "Nervous Conditions", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/456423
