The Hyena’s Gaze: Analyzing Animal Symbolism in Tsitsi Dangarembga’s This Mournable Body

Authors

  • Dr. A. Annie Divya Mahisha Assistant Professor, Department of English, Holy Cross College, (Autonomous), Nagercoil, India Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71093/iqmrj.v1i2.202509

Keywords:

Hyena, Colonialism, Identity, Fear, Exploitation

Abstract

Tsitsi Dangarembga’s This Mournable Body is a profound exploration of post-colonial Zimbabwe, focusing on the personal and societal struggles faced by the protagonist, Tambudzai Sigauke. Throughout the novel, Dangarembga employs various symbols and metaphors to illustrate the psychological and emotional turmoil experienced by her characters. One of the most striking symbols in the novel is the hyena, which plays a crucial role in understanding the protagonist’s internal conflicts, the societal decay and the overarching themes of survival and moral degradation. This paper explores the role of the hyena in This Mournable Body and how it contributes to the narrative’s exploration of identity, fear and societal collapse.

References

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Dangarembga, Tsitsi. This Mournable Body. Graywolf Press, 2018.

Dunham, M. “The Hyena: Witch’s Auxiliary or Nature’s Fool? Witchcraft and Animal Lore among the Valangi of Tanzania.” Animal Symbolism: Animals, Keystone in Relationship between Man and Nature?, edited by E. Dounias et al., IRD Editions, 2007, pp. 589–604.

Gulick, Anne W. “Oppressive Sameness and the Novels We Need: Tsitsi Dangarembga’s Challenge to Postcolonial Readerly Desires in the Twenty- First Century.” Journal of African Cultural Studies, vol. 32, no. 4, 2000, pp. 463–67. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13696815.2019.1704699

Kylon, Mike. “Hyena Symbolism and Meaning?” The Mumbai City, 11 Apr. 2022, themumbaicity.com/hyena-symbolism-and-meaning.

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Published

31.05.2025

How to Cite

Dr. A. Annie Divya Mahisha. (2025). The Hyena’s Gaze: Analyzing Animal Symbolism in Tsitsi Dangarembga’s This Mournable Body. International Quarterly Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 1. https://doi.org/10.71093/iqmrj.v1i2.202509

Issue

Vol. 1 (2025): Issue2

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. A. Annie Divya Mahisha

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