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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. Elesin's love and appreciation for life is ________________ for his community.
(a) Dangerous.
(b) Problematic.
(c) Difficult.
(d) Beneficial.

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

3. 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.

4. Which other nationality has also done an adaptation of this play by medium of film, as explained in the author's note?
(a) Germany.
(b) China.
(c) Bolivia.
(d) Italy.

5. Which character acts as the voice of reason throughout the play?
(a) Olunde.
(b) Pilkings.
(c) Jane.
(d) Iyaloja.

Short Answer Questions

1. What phrase do Elesin and the praise-singer use to describe the afterlife?

2. The praise singer can be seen as a symbol of ________________.

3. What do the women of the market threaten to remove from Amusa if he refuses to leave?

4. The British had several Yoruban religious practices ______________.

5. In Act 1, Scene 2, Jane discusses how calling holy water "nonsense" would offend whom?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Amusa's note say in the dance of Act 1, Scene 4? Why does Amusa write the note?

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

4. What is the difference in music and dance in both societies? How can it be seen in the play?

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

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

7. Iyaloja enters Elesin's cell. Whom does she blame for Elesin's failure, and why?

8. What is the job of the praise-singer?

9. How does Elesin kill himself?

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

(see the answer keys)

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