Tete Gladys Character Analysis in Nervous Conditions

Babamukuru's only sister. She's a very large woman and is very traditional. Though she respects Babamukuru when she's around him, it's implied that she doesn't always take him seriously when she laughs about his plan for Jeremiah and Mainini's wedding. Because Gladys is part of the patriarchal family line, she isn't required to do chores when she visits the homestead for Christmas, and she gets to eat with the patriarchal family members in the house, rather than in the kitchen with the other women.

Tete Gladys Character Timeline in Nervous Conditions

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

...the cars get close enough, they run to the cars and dance and sing. Tete Gladys and her husband are in the first car; then Babamukuru; then Thomas and his wife,... (full context)

...At the house, everyone is extremely happy even without alcohol, as Babamukuru doesn't drink. Tete Gladys begins dancing in the yard and soon, other family members follow. Though Tambu no longer... (full context)

...that Nyasha wants to dance but that Maiguru is forbidding her. Eventually, this attracts Tete Gladys's attention, and she tells the children to dance. Chido declines politely, but Nyasha seems to... (full context)

Babamukuru says the real problem is with Jeremiah's branch, as Tete Gladys and Thomas's families are well provided for. He recalls receiving a letter from Jeremiah in... (full context)

...to talk to Nyasha, but Nyasha insists that family isn't important since Thomas and Tete Gladys aren't coming for Christmas. Maiguru is sharp with Nyasha and looking back, Tambu believes that... (full context)

Tete Gladys and uncle Thomas surprise everyone by deciding to come for Christmas after all, which wreaks... (full context)

...fit in the small refrigerator. It starts turning green after a few days. When Tete Gladys insults Maiguru's cooking, Maiguru begins cooking a special pot of refrigerated meat for the patriarchal... (full context)

...this will pass. In the house, Babamukuru reprimands Jeremiah for making such a mess. Tete Gladys suggests that this would all be fixed if Jeremiah would behave sensibly. Takesure suggests medicine... (full context)

...people becoming colonized and their debate ends. Tambu carries breakfast into the living room, where Gladys and Maiguru are giggling about Babamukuru's reaction to Lucia inserting herself. Gladys asks whether a... (full context)