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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Jane influences Pilkings through ____________.

2. A parallel can be seen between Pilkings and which other character in the play?

3. What do the women of the market threaten to remove from Amusa if he refuses to leave?

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

5. According to the praise-singer, what must happen for the fowl to know his true friends?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Elesin annoyed in the opening scenes of the play?

2. How does Elesin become aware that it is time for his own death?

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

4. What are Jane and Pilkings doing as Act 1, Scene 2 opens and the two are introduced? What are they wearing?

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

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

7. What are Elesin's last requests before his death?

8. What is the "real" theme of the play, as stated by Soyinka in the author's note?

9. How does Elesin react to Olunde's death?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Each culture [British and Yoruban] holds varying views on death and death's meaning. How does each culture's view of death differ? Why might these differences cause conflict or confrontation between the two cultures?

Essay Topic 2

How does the idea of cultural relativism play an important role in understanding and interpreting the play?

Essay Topic 3

Olunde and Soyinka have many similarities. Compare Soyinka, the author, with Olunde and his character within the book.

(see the answer keys)

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