Table of contentsIntroductionThe role of Mariama Ba’s journey in “Such a Long Letter”Summary and conclusionReferencesIntroductionC.S. Lewis once said: “Literature adds to reality, it does not merely describe it. It enriches the necessary skills that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become” (Brainyquote Com, 2017). ). “So Long a Letter” by Mariama Bâ is a poignant example of how an author’s journey can profoundly shape the themes, characters, and messages embedded in a literary work. The setting of "So Long a Letter" by Mariama Bâ has a profound meaning because it is intimately linked to the author's journey, rooted in Dakar, the capital of Senegal in pre-colonial times, imbued with Senegalese traditions and culture. During this period, life was shaped by the tenets of the Muslim religion, the practice of polygamy and the patriarchal structure of society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayThe role of Mariama Ba's journey in “Such a Long Letter”Mariama Bâ (April 17, 1929 – August 17, 1981) was a Senegalese author and feminist who wrote in French. Growing up in Dakar, she grew up in a Muslim family. However, from a young age, she began to question the inequalities between the sexes perpetuated by African traditions. She lived in a society similar to the one described in her book, where girls had limited access to education, women were submissive to their husbands, and men were considered superior to women. “A Letter So Long” unfolds as a sequence of events narrated in the form of a letter written by the fictional character Ramatoulaye, a recently widowed Senegalese teacher. This speaks to Ramatoulaye's emotional struggle for survival following her husband's abrupt decision to take a second wife. Mariama Bâ's own life experiences are echoed in the novel through shared settings and key characters like Ramatoulaye and Aissatou. The common thread of criticism of chauvinism constantly runs through their lives. Examination of the setting reveals that the author's background significantly influenced his novel. Bâ grew up during the colonial era, receiving his early education in French while simultaneously attending a Koranic school. In the novel, Ramatoulaye, his children, and other women are depicted as attending Quranic school, with only a few also enrolled in French schools. They encountered opposition from the men around them, who were reminiscent of Bâ's maternal grandparents, who had no intention of educating him beyond primary school. . This illuminates Bâ's critique of the gender inequalities prevalent at the time. Her commitment to feminist ideals stems from her education and schooling. Bâ's work emphasizes the importance of women in various roles – grandmother, mother, sister, daughter, cousin and friend – and their vital contributions to society (The Patriotic Vanguard, 2013). She explores the countless aspects that directly affect women in the novel. Ramatoulaye's grief at the death of her husband, not because of his passing but because of his rejection in favor of a younger wife, highlights the lasting impact of such a decision. The fact that Modou Fall marries Ramatoulaye's daughter's best friend further reflects the author's exploration of women's mental states, drawing on his personal experiences. On the other hand, Aissatou, unlike Ramatoulaye, takes charge of his life after., 17(4), 87-98.