In the extract of the novel “Nervous Condition” by Tsitsi Dangarembga, she makes it possible to sympathize for Tambu. Babamukuru’s mistreatment towards Tambu, Tambu’s feeling, and her womanhood support this idea. Also, language devices and sound devices help make the reader sympathize deeply for Tambu.
Dangarembga first helps sympathize through Babamaukuru’s mistreatment towards Tambu because she was suffering from his threats and his power over her. One can see through this example “he threatened all sort of things.” This example shows that he treats her badly which would make the reader feel sad for her sufferings. In addition, “Babamukuru was always categorical when he made these statements” and “Nyasha suffered many more of them than I had.” These examples in the extract of the essay makes us feel sympathy to Tambu’s mistreatment and also Nyasha’s as well because Babamukuru wants to be treat like a god and thinks that “anyone who defies my authority is an evil thing in this house, bent on destroying what I have made” even though he did something wrong. More importantly, he does not even care why Tambu does not want to go to the wedding. The sound devices and hard consonants and metaphor helps to add more impact of violence into Babamukuru rage to Tambu like “my uncle’s volcanic temper.” Dangarembga helps the reader sympathize more for Tambu’s suffering and mistreatment from Babamukuru with the help of sound devices.
