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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Joseph hear in Act 1, Scene 2 that confuses him?
(a) Drumming.
(b) Strange instrumentation.
(c) Crying.
(d) Singing.

2. What is another name for the praise-singer?
(a) Olohun-iyo.
(b) Olohamora.
(c) Oba-iyo.
(d) Elohino-iya.

3. Which character in the play would the author, Soyinka, most likely be comparable to?
(a) Amusa.
(b) Elesin.
(c) Jane.
(d) Olunde.

4. "Death and the King's Horseman" is a story of ____________________ rather than British colonization.
(a) Human sacrifice.
(b) The love of life.
(c) A cultural clash.
(d) Human weakness.

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

6. How does Elesin feel regarding Pilkings helping Olunde go to school?
(a) Pleased.
(b) Angry.
(c) Sad.
(d) Happy.

7. At which setting does the play open?
(a) The palace.
(b) The British camp.
(c) The marketplace.
(d) The river.

8. The British had several Yoruban religious practices ______________.
(a) Outlawed.
(b) Convicted.
(c) Within the city limits.
(d) Under contract.

9. Who do the Pilkings speak to for more insight to Amusa's report in Act 1, Scene 2?
(a) Iyaloja.
(b) Joseph.
(c) Elesin.
(d) Olunde.

10. Finish the quotation by Elesin Oba from Act 1, Scene 1. "This market is my roost. When I come among the women I am a(n) ____________ with a hundred mothers."
(a) Man.
(b) Cockerel.
(c) Rooster.
(d) Chicken.

11. The characters in the play are _________________.
(a) Based on Yoruban heros.
(b) Metaphorical.
(c) Historical characters.
(d) Soyinka's creations.

12. The author's note primarily serves to inform all except which of the following?
(a) Readers.
(b) Directors.
(c) Writers.
(d) Producers.

13. As stated by the praise-singer in the play, what does a man forget when he approaches a brand new bride?
(a) Himself.
(b) The Yoruban people.
(c) His children.
(d) The mother of his children.

14. What is Elesin doing when he realizes that his last day is almost over?
(a) Dancing.
(b) Singing.
(c) Feasting.
(d) Resting.

15. In Yoruban culture, which character must lead the king throughout the afterlife?
(a) A praise-singer.
(b) His bride.
(c) His horseman.
(d) His servant.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Pilkings believe Elesin's duty to be?

2. Where does Elesin wish to make the transition?

3. Finish the sentence. The British involvement in this story is ______________.

4. The praise-singer warns Elesin about being spoiled by what, at the beginning of Act 1, Scene 1?

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

(see the answer keys)

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