L’ambivalence de Maman Téné dans Sous l’orage de Seydou Badian

Abstract. In Caught in the storm by Seydou Badian, the character of Maman Téné is central to illustrating the dilemmas of women in patriarchal societies. The central question is: how does Maman Téné illustrate these dilemmas? Based on the hypothesis that Maman Téné's cultural identity, shaped by her role as mother and guardian of traditions, determines her ambivalence towards the modern choices of her daughter Kany, the study aims to show that this ambivalence is a form of silent resistance against social pressures. Through Maman Téné, Badian explores conflicts of values where tradition and modernity clash, symbolized by her attachment to customs and her reluctance in the face of Kany's aspirations. As a mediator between patriarchal expectations and her daughter's individual aspirations, Maman Téné embodies a complex ambivalence. This highlights intergenerational tensions and the social repercussions of one's choices in a malian society in transition. Thus, her character represents a point of reflection on the evolution of female identity. In comparison with other female characters in African literature, this analysis shows that Maman Téné is a pillar of discreet resistance. Keywords : Seydou Badian, Maman Téné, African literature, female dilemmas, traditions and modernity.