Death and the King's Horsemen | Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - Author's Note

1. Explain and identify the background of Soyinka's story.

2. Why does Soyinka claim (in the author's note) that the play is not a clash between two cultures (Yoruban and British)?

3. Soyinka mentions Pilkings in his author's note. What is important to understand about Pilkings' character, according to Soyinka?

4. How does Elesin Oba represent the universe in the eyes of the Yoruban people?

5. What information is given about the Yoruba in the author's note?

6. How do the Yoruban people maintain...
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