Point of View

The play gives time and space to the exploration of the points of view of all four of its main characters: Sidi, Lakunle, Baroka, and Sadiku. The points of view of these characters divide along the lines of progress and tradition, age and youth, and men and women. Lakunle’s point of view is in favor of progress, youth and, to a certain extent, women. He argues for more modern amenities and the abandoning of traditional customs, ostensibly because of his support for women’s rights. Sidi is also a representative for youth, but she remains in favor of traditional customs by insisting that Lakunle pay the bride-price before marrying her. Sidi joins with Sadiku in celebrating Baroka’s impotence as a victory for women, aligning her with women in general.

Sadiku’s point of view is in favor of tradition (she chastises Lakunle for...