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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. During what major event did Soyinka decide to set her play around?
(a) During the U.S. occupancy of the Philippines.
(b) World War I.
(c) World War II.
(d) The assassination of Franz Ferdinand.

2. Which of the following is NOT included in things that Elesin loves, as described in the first scene of the play?
(a) Rich food.
(b) Women.
(c) Red wine.
(d) Fine cloth.

3. According to the praise-singer, what must happen for the fowl to know his true friends?
(a) Wind blows cold from behind.
(b) The shedding of the tail.
(c) The cockerel hides its feathers.
(d) When the women cover him in damask.

4. 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) Cockerel.
(b) Rooster.
(c) Chicken.
(d) Man.

5. In Act 1, Scene 1, Elesin and the praise-singer have a discussion where Elesin compares him to a jealous _______.
(a) Man.
(b) Wife.
(c) Officer.
(d) Girl.

6. The praise-singer warns Elesin about being spoiled by what, at the beginning of Act 1, Scene 1?
(a) Too much food.
(b) The British.
(c) Women.
(d) Warriors.

7. Oyo was the ____________ kingdom in Nigeria.
(a) Greatest.
(b) Finest.
(c) Cruelest.
(d) Happiest.

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

9. The masks in Act 1, Scene 2, signify what?
(a) Life.
(b) Death.
(c) The underworld.
(d) Fear.

10. What do the women of the market claim took Olunde away?
(a) The British.
(b) The gods.
(c) The ocean.
(d) A ship.

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

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

13. Where does Pilkings instruct Amusa to lock Elesin up in Act 1, Scene 2?
(a) His study.
(b) Jail.
(c) A restricted cell.
(d) His home.

14. How many kingdoms are the Yoruba divided into?
(a) 5.
(b) 10.
(c) Not stated.
(d) 6.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Elesin claim is the center of his life?

2. In what style is the dialogue of the play written?

3. Which character is portrayed as understanding throughout the play?

4. What event is Pilkings excited about attending?

5. According to Soyinka, what first needs to exist before there can be a clash between two cultures?

(see the answer keys)

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