So Long a Letter

Though feminism is a key theme in this novel, the word “feminist” is mentioned very rarely. Does Rama consider herself a feminist? Do you consider her to be a feminist? Justify your answer using textual evidence. It may be interesting to reflect on your response from the Personal Connection Prompt before answering.

Teaching Suggestion: Students might approach the question by considering the themes of Education, Feminism and Polygamy in the context of the novel. Throughout the course of Rama’s letters, she explores what it means to be a woman, a mother, a wife, and a widow in Senegal. By the end of the novel, her letters indicate that she is an active advocate for developing women’s rights in Senegal. For example, she still regards the importance of childrearing as a form of labor while supporting the development of women’s rights in the public sphere. In particular, she believes strongly in the importance of friendship amongst women as well as building a community of trust. These examples point to a form of feminism, which although not as forthright as feminism is understood in many Western countries, still focuses on a woman’s role in decisions regarding her husband, her family, and her community.