“So Long a Letter” by Mariama Bâ is a novel that explores themes of marriage and education in a post-colonial Senegal. Through the use of various stylistic features, the author skillfully brings out these themes and highlights the challenges that women face in navigating these societal constructs.
One of the most notable stylistic features used in the novel is the use of first-person narrative. The story is told from the perspective of the protagonist, Ramatoulaye, as she reflects on her life and experiences after the death of her husband. This narrative technique allows the reader to gain insight into the protagonist’s thoughts, emotions, and personal struggles, particularly in regards to her marriage and the challenges she faces as a woman in a patriarchal
society.
Another stylistic feature used in the novel is the use of flashbacks. Throughout the novel, Ramatoulaye reflects on her life experiences, including her childhood, her marriage, and her struggles as a woman. Through the use of flashbacks, the author provides a deeper understanding of Ramatoulaye’s character and the events that have shaped her life. Additionally, the use of flashbacks also helps to highlight the theme of education, as Ramatoulaye’s education plays a significant role in her personal and professional development.
The use of symbolism is also prominent in the novel. For example, Ramatoulaye’s husband’s second wife, Binetou, is symbolized as a bird, which represents freedom and the desire for something beyond what one currently has. Binetou’s character serves to highlight the limited choices available to women in a patriarchal society, and the difficult decisions they are forced to make in order to gain even a small measure of agency.
The use of language and dialect is another stylistic feature that is used in the novel to bring out the themes of marriage and education. The author uses both French and Wolof, a local language, to reflect the linguistic and cultural diversity of Senegal. This technique helps to highlight the challenges that women face in navigating both their traditional culture and the expectations of a modern, post-colonial society.
In conclusion, Mariama Bâ employs a variety of stylistic features in “So Long a Letter” to bring out the themes of marriage and education. Through the use of first-person narrative, flashbacks, symbolism, and language, the author provides a nuanced and complex portrayal of the challenges faced by women in post-colonial Senegal.
