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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Iyaloja works to enforce what is good for __________.
(a) Women only.
(b) Everyone.
(c) Her family.
(d) Elesin.

2. A parallel can be seen between Pilkings and which other character in the play?
(a) Amusa.
(b) The Prince.
(c) Elesin.
(d) Olunde.

3. This term best describes Elesin's reaction/feeling toward Iyaloja's response after Elesin requests a wife.
(a) Elated.
(b) Angry.
(c) Jealous.
(d) Annoyed.

4. In regards to time, how should the play be performed?
(a) Slowly.
(b) Following the Yoruban time schedule.
(c) Without interval.
(d) Large breaks between scenes.

5. Who is supposed to make an important appearance later in the evening?
(a) Joseph.
(b) Elesin Oba.
(c) The Yoruban King.
(d) The Prince of England.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which word best describes Jane's feelings toward the Yoruban traditions and customs, according to the text?

2. To which religion does Amusa belong?

3. Which word best describes Iyaloja's feelings upon hearing that Elesin wishes to take a bride, according to the text?

4. Elesin's love and appreciation for life is ________________ for his community.

5. How many deaths occur within the story?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Joseph's confusion of the drums symbolize in regard to Elesin's situation?

2. What does Elesin confess when Pilkings leaves his cell in Act 1, Scene 5? To whom does he confess this?

3. What does Olunde tell Pilkings about stopping the death of his father, Elesin?

4. What are Olunde's intentions for attending medical school?

5. Why is Joseph confused by the drumming?

6. Does Soyinka believe that the British were responsible for the suicide of Elesin and his son? Why or why not?

7. How does Olunde react when he finally sees his father, alive?

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

9. What is the conflict with the bride Elesin chooses in the first scene of the play?

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

(see the answer keys)

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