The Irony of the Reincarnation

“Thus began the period of my reincarnation.” This quote that emerges throughout the novel from Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga undoubtedly serves as a luminous detail in describing Tambu’s developments and realizations through her newfound education. More importantly, however, behind the façade of this supposed, glorified reincarnation, an irony exists because the very development that she is praising is the same development that will eventually rid her of her assertiveness, cultural traditions, and identity.
Certainly, Tambu does progress and mature in some ways during her time in her “new life.” First of all, this opportunity to grow intellectually gave Tambu hope for the future. She says, “I expected this era to be significantly profound and broadening in terms of adding wisdom to my nature, clarity to my vision, glamour to my person.” Additionally, Tambu gains higher self-esteem from her educational environment when she is used to being reproached and ...