Babamukuru Critical Analysis

. Her actions do not go unpunished, as for Babamukuru “Anyone who defies my authority is an evil thing in this house, bent on destroying what I have made.” (Dangaremba 169) Her objection to his authority is a direct offense to the power standing of the male patriarchy. Babamukuru feels threatened as “Shona society limit women aspirations, pushing them, “to "contain" themselves, to make themselves small by kneeling, to lower their voices” (Shaw 11). The fifteen whips that she receives as a result of this are an attempt to marginalize Tambu’s newfound outspoken tendencies in an effort to resort her to the subdued standard of Shona women. This doesn’t work as Tambu is proud of her resilience, content with her newfound identity. Maiguru is left in awe of not only the sheer brutality of Babamukuru, but the bravery shown by …show more content…
She stands up for Tambu “Truly, this punishment is too much for a child.” (Dangaremba 174) She was about the retreat into her submissive state following this outlandish remark until Babamakuru stated that it was his “duty” to discipline Tambu for the disrespect that she showed him. (Dangaremba 174) This prompts her to begin her rebellion against the male patriarchy. Standing up to Babamukru for the first time in her life, “Let me tell you, I have had enough!” (Dangaremba 174) in reference to her inability to control her wealth, being a housekeeper, being complacent, but most importantly of not having her voice heard in the household she works day in and day out to support. She finally asserts her independence through an act of defiance greater than that of both Nyasha and Tambu by walking out on Babamukuru. Leaving her husband for five days empowered her with a voice that was otherwise absent throughout her life until that point. Her voice allows her to become an advocate for Tambu, “People