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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. Which literary medium does Soyinka's work fall under?
(a) Novella.
(b) Stream of consciousness.
(c) Short story.
(d) Drama.

2. "Death and the King's Horseman" is a story of ____________________ rather than British colonization.
(a) Human weakness.
(b) The love of life.
(c) Human sacrifice.
(d) A cultural clash.

3. In what style is the dialogue of the play written?
(a) Iambic pentameter.
(b) Heroic couplets.
(c) Villanelle.
(d) Free verse.

4. This term best describes Elesin's reaction/feeling toward Iyaloja's response after Elesin requests a wife.
(a) Angry.
(b) Annoyed.
(c) Elated.
(d) Jealous.

5. The author's note primarily serves to inform all except which of the following?
(a) Directors.
(b) Producers.
(c) Readers.
(d) Writers.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is supposed to make an important appearance later in the evening?

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

3. Which word best describes Iyaloja's feelings upon hearing that Elesin wishes to take a bride, according to the text?

4. Who is responsible if the Yoruban world were to fall off course?

5. Soyinka's story is based upon ______.

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Olunde react when he sees Jane in the ancestral mask?

2. What information is given about the Yoruba in the author's note?

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

4. Why does Amusa fail in arresting Elesin?

5. What does seeing Elesin alive mean to Olunde?

6. Soyinka mentions Pilkings in his author's note. What is important to understand about Pilkings' character, according to Soyinka?

7. What does Elesin confess when Pilkings leaves his cell in Act 1, Scene 5? To whom does he confess this?

8. Which agenda seems the most important to Pilkings in Act 1, Scene 2?

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

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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