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

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

3. Where is most of the play set?
(a) The marketplace.
(b) The ball.
(c) Elesin's palace.
(d) The cellar.

4. What is it that Elesin craves before his death?
(a) Fine wine.
(b) Finer cloth.
(c) A prostitute.
(d) A bed of roses.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Where was the author educated?

2. Oyo is a _______________.

3. What is Olunde's suicide weapon as stated in the author's note?

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

5. Which character in the play would the author, Soyinka, most likely be comparable to?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Elesin's reaction when Jane attempts to plead with him in the last scene of the play.

2. What are Elesin's last requests before his death?

3. Why does Pilkings believe that Elesin is upset while he is locked in the cellar in Act 1, Scene 5?

4. How are Pilkings and Elesin alike?

5. What does Joseph's confusion of the drums symbolize in regard to Elesin's situation?

6. How does Olunde react when he finally sees his father, alive?

7. Why does Soyinka claim (in the author's note) that the play is not a clash between two cultures (Yoruban and British)?

8. What are the fears that rule Amusa's character? Which of the two is greater?

9. What is the significance of the term, "my mother", in African culture?

10. Why is Joseph confused by the drumming?

(see the answer keys)

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