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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. To whom is Elesin's new bride betrothed?
(a) Olunde.
(b) Elesin.
(c) Iyaloja's son.
(d) Iyaloja's brother.

3. What drives the action in the Yoruban world?
(a) The gods.
(b) The king.
(c) Music.
(d) Elesin Oba.

4. Where do the women of the market claim that the "official business" is happening?
(a) The market.
(b) At the ball.
(c) The bridal tent.
(d) At the palace.

5. To which religion does Amusa belong?
(a) Yoruba.
(b) Muslim.
(c) Christianity.
(d) Judaism.

6. Jane influences Pilkings through ____________.
(a) Intuition.
(b) Fear.
(c) Instruction.
(d) Flattery.

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

8. Which word best describes Jane's feelings toward the Yoruban traditions and customs, according to the text?
(a) Unhappy.
(b) Horrified.
(c) Interested.
(d) Disappointed.

9. The praise singer can be seen as a symbol of ________________.
(a) Contempt.
(b) Privilege.
(c) Death.
(d) Happiness.

10. What is the author's ethnic background?
(a) African.
(b) Colombian.
(c) South American.
(d) British.

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

12. What do the women of the market threaten to remove from Amusa if he refuses to leave?
(a) His pants.
(b) His knickers.
(c) His coat.
(d) His hat.

13. In the author's note, Soyinka states that Elesin Oba is the _____________ in the eyes of the Yoruban people.
(a) Universe.
(b) King.
(c) Horseman.
(d) Salvation.

14. What are Jane and Pilkings wearing at the beginning of Act 1, Scene 2?
(a) Fancy clothes.
(b) Jewelry.
(c) Wigs.
(d) Masks.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. "Death and the King's Horseman" is a story of ____________________ rather than British colonization.

2. The author's note primarily serves to inform all except which of the following?

3. Which of the following does NOT accurately describe Elesin's character?

4. Where was the author educated?

5. What does Joseph hear in Act 1, Scene 2 that confuses him?

(see the answer keys)

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