General Discussion Questions

"And if you fear that you cannot act equitably towards orphans, then marry such women as seem good to you, two and three and four; but if you fear that you will not do justice (between them), then (marry) only one or what your right hands possess; this is more proper, that you may not deviate from the right course."
--Quaran (Surah 4:3)

1. So Long a Letter is an epistolary novel.  How does this shape the tone, voice, and narration of the book?
2. Why does Ramatoulaye fear Senegalese funeral rites? (3-8) What do we learn about family relations from this?
3. What do we learn about Ramatoulaye's economic and social condition?
4. How does Ramatoulaye's role differ as only wife, as first wife, and as a widow?
5. What role does class play in the book?  In Ramatoulaye and Aissatou's choice of a marriage partner?
6. What is Ramatoulaye's view of marriage? of polygamy? (46, 55-57, 68, 88-89)
7. What is her view of men? (33-34, 41, 79) of Modou? of Madow?
8. What importance does the case of Jacqueline (41-45) serve in the novel?
9. Compare and contrast the marriages of Ramatoulaye and Aissatou.   Likewise, compare the experiences of Nabou with Madow and Binetou with Modou.
10. Describe the impact of taking a second wife on Modou (48-50).
11. Why does Ramatoulaye reject both Tamsir and Daouda's proposals? (58, 68)
12. What role does modernity play in the work? (cf. 15, 23, 73, 77, 87)
13. Is there a political message in this book?  Why or why not?
14. How does Ramatoulaye conceive of motherhood? (75-76, 82-83)
15. How is the theme of fate contrasted with that of personal improvement? (cf. 1-2, 11)

Group Discussion

Summarize in your group one of the following issues we discussed above:

• views of women and men
• the purpose and trails of marriage
• the role of education and modernity

Once you have summarized the book's observations, discuss whether you agree and/or disagree with Bā.  Have you found her representation to be true in your own life or the lives of others you know?