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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Amusa react to the taunting women in the market in Act 1, Scene 3?
(a) He retreats.
(b) He fights.
(c) He cries.
(d) He becomes consumed in anger.

2. Which word best describes Olunde's reaction to his father's death?
(a) Sad.
(b) Calm.
(c) Angry.
(d) Upset.

3. What is the resident concentrating on when he sees the British officers?
(a) Their uniforms.
(b) Their skin.
(c) The fact that they aren't wearing costumes.
(d) The issue at hand.

4. Who performs the ritual sacrifices made for the Yoruban king?
(a) Chief brothers.
(b) The women of the market.
(c) New king.
(d) Elesin Oba.

5. How much time does Pilkings give Amusa to arrest Elesin?
(a) 15 minutes.
(b) 1 hour.
(c) 20 minutes.
(d) 30 minutes.

6. Which word best describes the Prince's reaction to Jane and Pilkings' costumes?
(a) Fear.
(b) Fascination.
(c) Disgust.
(d) Apprehension.

7. What word does Pilkings use to describe Yoruban customs?
(a) Noble.
(b) Horrific.
(c) Barbaric.
(d) Crazy.

8. Throughout the play there is a correlation between the death of the power of religion as well as the death of __________.
(a) Faith.
(b) Culture.
(c) The young.
(d) Ritual.

9. What animal must not be seen without his feathers, as stated by the praise-singer in the last scene of the play?
(a) Cockerel.
(b) Not-I bird.
(c) Pigeon.
(d) Peacock.

10. What type of transportation does Olunde use to travel home as discussed in Act 1, Scene 3?
(a) WWII medical jet.
(b) Ship.
(c) Plane.
(d) Mail boat.

11. To whom does Soyinka dedicate this play?
(a) His father.
(b) His mother.
(c) Elesin Oba.
(d) The Yoruban people.

12. The drum heard in Act 1, Scene 3 signifies that the king's _____________ has been killed.
(a) Wife.
(b) Dog.
(c) Cat.
(d) Horse.

13. What does Elesin do to Olunde before he leaves for school?
(a) Disowned him.
(b) Asked him to return soon.
(c) Wished him luck.
(d) Hugged him tightly and said goodbye.

14. What part of the body must touch the ground one final time before the transition is made?
(a) Hands.
(b) Mouth.
(c) Head.
(d) Feet.

15. Who sits inside Elesin's cell with him?
(a) Amusa.
(b) Pilkings.
(c) His bride.
(d) Two guards.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Pilkings steal from Elesin?

2. Who is the Master of Death, according to "Death and the king's horseman"?

3. How long do pre-burial ceremonies last in the Yoruban world?

4. What does Elesin seem fascinated with as he sits in his cell?

5. How does Olunde commit suicide?

(see the answer keys)

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