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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

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

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

5. A parallel can be seen between Pilkings and which other character in the play?
(a) The Prince.
(b) Elesin.
(c) Olunde.
(d) Amusa.

Short Answer Questions

1. Whom does Soyinka blame for the tragedy of the story?

2. Soyinka's story is based upon ______.

3. Oyo was the ____________ kingdom in Nigeria.

4. Which genre of literature does Soyinka's work fall under?

5. What are Jane and Pilkings wearing at the beginning of Act 1, Scene 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Olunde tell Pilkings about stopping the death of his father, Elesin?

2. How is the scene with Amusa in the market a sign that the British assimilation has failed?

3. Why does Olunde return to the Yoruba people in Act 1, Scene 4?

4. Explain the opening scene of Act 1, Scene 1. What do you find out about Elesin Oba?

5. How are the Pilkings' associated with Elesin and his family?

6. How do the Yoruban people maintain their link to the king?

7. What is the "real" theme of the play, as stated by Soyinka in the author's note?

8. Why do the British attempt to come between death and the king's horseman?

9. What does Joseph say when questioned about Elesin's death?

10. What does seeing Elesin alive mean to Olunde?

(see the answer keys)

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