IndexIntroductionThe role of Mariama Ba's background in "So Long a Letter"Summary and conclusionReferencesIntroductionC.S. Lewis once stated, "Literature adds to reality, not merely describes it. It enriches the necessary skills that everyday life requires and provides; and in this sense, irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become" (Brainyquote Com, 2017 ). Mariama Bâ's "So Long a Letter" is a poignant example of how an author's background can profoundly shape the themes, characters, and messages embedded in a literary work. The setting of Mariama Bâ's "So Long a Letter" has a profound meaning as it is closely linked to the author's background, rooted in Dakar, the capital of Senegal during the pre-colonial era, steeped in 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Role of Mariama Ba's Background in "So Long a Letter"Mariama Bâ (April 17, 1929 – August 17, 1981) was a Senegalese author and feminist who wrote in French. Raised in Dakar, she was raised in a Muslim family. However, from an early age, she began to question the gender inequalities perpetuated by African traditions. She inhabited a society similar to the one portrayed in her book, where girls had limited access to education, women were subservient to their husbands, and men were considered superior to women. “So Long a Letter” unfolds as a sequence of events narrated in the form of a letter, written by the fictional character Ramatoulaye, a recently widowed Senegalese school teacher. It serves as a testimony to Ramatoulaye's emotional struggle for survival following her husband's abrupt decision to take a second wife. Mariama Bâ's life experiences echo throughout the novel through shared settings and key characters such as Ramatoulaye and Aissatou. The thread of criticism of chauvinism constantly runs through their lives. Examining the setting reveals that the author's background significantly influenced her novel. Bâ grew up during the colonial era, receiving her early education in French while simultaneously attending a Koranic school. In the novel, Ramatoulaye, her children, and other women are depicted as attending Koranic school, and only a few also enroll in French schools. They faced opposition from the men around them, who were reminiscent of Bâ's maternal grandparents, who had no intention of educating her beyond primary school. This illuminates Bâ's critique of the gender inequalities prevalent at the time. Her commitment to feminist ideals stems from her upbringing and education. Bâ's work highlights the importance of women in various roles – grandmother, mother, sister, daughter, cousin and friend – and their vital contributions to society (The Patriotic Vanguard, 2013). It delves into the myriad of aspects that directly affect women in the novel. Ramatoulaye's grief over her husband's death, not because of his passing but because of his rejection of her in favor of a younger wife, highlights the lasting impact of that decision. That Modou Fall marries Ramatoulaye's daughter's best friend further reflects the author's exploration of women's mental states, drawing on her personal experiences. In contrast, Aissatou, unlike Ramatoulaye, takes charge of her life after her husband Mawdo Ba marries a second wife. Aissatou expresses hers openly, 17(4), 87-98.