Nervous Conditions

by

Tsitsi Dangarembga

Netsai Character Analysis

Netsai is Tambu's younger sister. Tambu notes that Netsai will one day make a sad and yielding wife: she's very kind and likes to do nice things for other people, even Nhamo. She helps Tambu with her chores and thrives on praise, and she genuinely doesn't mind fetching Nhamo's luggage for him when he returns from the mission school.
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Netsai Character Timeline in Nervous Conditions

The timeline below shows where the character Netsai appears in Nervous Conditions. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter One
Men vs. Women Theme Icon
Obedience vs. Independence Theme Icon
...to the homestead. She expects to find Nhamo, but he's not there. Her younger sisters, Netsai and Rambanai, are playing a game. Tambu isn't worried that Nhamo isn't home; the bus... (full context)
Men vs. Women Theme Icon
Obedience vs. Independence Theme Icon
Tambu knows that Nhamo is just exerting his power when he makes Netsai fetch his luggage. She hates it, especially when Nhamo refuses to watch Rambanai and makes... (full context)
Men vs. Women Theme Icon
...a chicken to kill, Tambu turns to preparing the evening meal of sadza and vegetables. Netsai brings Tambu out of her reverie by asking what's wrong. Tambu doesn't want to say... (full context)
Chapter Three
The Limits of Education Theme Icon
Men vs. Women Theme Icon
Babamukuru arrives in a cavalcade of cars. Netsai, Tambu, and their cousin Shupikai watch the cars approaching from miles away. When the cars... (full context)
Chapter Seven
The Limits of Education Theme Icon
Men vs. Women Theme Icon
Obedience vs. Independence Theme Icon
When Babamukuru's car rolls up outside the house, only Rambanai and Netsai greet their visitors. Netsai explains that Mainini is lying down, while Jeremiah and Takesure are... (full context)