Takesure Character Analysis in Nervous Conditions

A distant cousin of Babamukuru. He has two wives and is struggling to pay their bride prices, so Babamukuru sends him to Jeremiah's homestead to help out and earn money. Tambu believes that Takesure agreed to go because, like Jeremiah, he doesn't want to work and knows that Jeremiah won't make him. While there, he becomes involved with Lucia, and she gets pregnant. This causes major issues in the family, mostly because of the lies that Takesure and Jeremiah tell Babamukuru: Takesure insists that Lucia is cursing Jeremiah's children, while Jeremiah tries to claim paternity over Takesure's baby. Though Takesure is deferential to Babamukuru when he's around, he has no interest in obeying his cousin. As soon as Babamukuru leaves after Christmas, he and Lucia begin sleeping together again.

Takesure Character Timeline in Nervous Conditions

The timeline below shows where the character Takesure appears in Nervous Conditions. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...and Netsai greet their visitors. Netsai explains that Mainini is lying down, while Jeremiah and Takesure are out. Babamukuru is shocked; he apparently asked that Takesure and "that girl," Lucia, leave... (full context)

...asked that Lucia come to the homestead to help. At the same time, Babamukuru sent Takesure to the homestead. He has two wives already and isn't finished paying off either, but... (full context)

...of Jeremiah having two wives and living in that kind of sin. He insisted that Takesure and Lucia leave, and Jeremiah, fearing Babamukuru, agreed to make them. Lucia's presence is proof... (full context)

Just after the new year, Babamukuru calls a family meeting to discuss the issue of Takesure and Lucia. It includes only the patriarchal family members and Takesure. Babamukuru begins by going... (full context)

Maiguru distantly says that the matter doesn't concern her, as neither Lucia nor Takesure are her family. Mainini asks why Maiguru is even in the kitchen if she's not... (full context)

...it. Mainini insists that Lucia doesn't know how to restrain herself, since she slept with Takesure and Jeremiah. Then, Mainini insists that the women only listened politely to Maiguru because she's... (full context)

...to continue through to the bedroom. The rest of the women gather and whisper outside. Takesure resumes his tale and says that Lucia refused to leave with him. Lucia tries not... (full context)

With Takesure's head held at waist height, Lucia addresses Babamukuru. She asks if Takesure is truly a... (full context)

...mess. Tete Gladys suggests that this would all be fixed if Jeremiah would behave sensibly. Takesure suggests medicine while Jeremiah lists the problems of the entire family and suggests they hire... (full context)

After waving goodbye to Babamukuru, Maiguru, and Nyasha, Takesure invites Lucia to sleep with him that night. She refuses, reminding the men of her... (full context)

Tambu is disappointed with Lucia, especially since she fears that her relationship with Takesure will only increase the amount of sin the family has. She implores Lucia to do... (full context)

...Lucia home. Lucia takes the opportunity of being in the house to tell Babamukuru that Takesure isn't a good man. Babamukuru is upset that Takesure didn't leave after the meeting in... (full context)

...she's afraid that Mainini will actually curse Babamukuru. Eventually, Jeremiah sends for Lucia. Lucia ignores Takesure and sets to work setting Mainini right. (full context)