Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga
Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga
1 – Free Write Assignment:
- Read the first two chapters of Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga
- After reading write 1-2 paragraphs of reflections on the beginning of the book.
- This is a free write, so there aren’t a lot of constraints to this exercise. You can reflect on how you are engaging with this book, so far, for example, the story is engaging/or not, the writing style is interesting/or not. You can write about something the book reminds you of in your life (academic, work, personal, etc.), society, culture, etc.
2 – Question for the Professor & Free Write Assignment
Both of these short assignments are based off of Nervous Conditions, Chapters 1-3.
1 – Question for the Professor:
Ask the professor one question you have in regards to the reading, so far. This can be any issue/topic you would like clarity on. It could be wanting more information on the socio-political climate, a fleshing out of a character’s role within the family structure, how aspect of culture impacts a character, etc. Anything you are curious about.
2 – Free Write Assignment:
- Read Chapter 3
- Identify the secondary character that peaks your interest the most, so far.
- Give yourself 15-20 minutes to write 1-2 paragraphs about your chosen character
- This is a free write, so there aren’t a lot of constraints to this exercise. You can reflect on how the character inspires you, or upsets you, or confuses you, etc.
3 – Shared Themes Assignment:
- Read chapters 4-5 of Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga
- As you read, look for shared commonalities, themes, story lines, etc. that you see between this book and one or both of the first two books we have read, Brown Girl, Brownstones and The Bride Price.
- Identify two of these shared themes/commonalities/story lines.
- Write 3-4 sentences about each instance, this should include identify the theme as it plays out in Nervous Conditions, and how it appears in the alternate text.
4 – “Quotes” Assignment:
- Read Chapters 6 & 7 of Nervous Conditions.
- Pick one quote/passage from each chapter that you find noteworthy, thought provoking, of importance, etc. that you would like to share with the larger class.
5 – “Quotes” Assignment:
- Read Chapter 8 of Nervous Conditions.
- Pick two quotes/passages from chapter that you find noteworthy, thought provoking, of importance, etc. that you would like to share with the larger class. Please be sure to include a long enough quote that it gives context and the page number.
