View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Whom does Elesin want by his side at his death?

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

3. What is proof of the new bride's virginity?

4. .The praise-singer could also be seen as _______________.

5. What does "Oba" mean?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does seeing Elesin alive mean to Olunde?

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

3. Why is Elesin annoyed in the opening scenes of the play?

4. Why is it ironic that Jane cares so much about Elesin's death?

5. What is it that moves Pilkings out to stop Elesin's death ritual?

6. How does Elesin react to Olunde's death?

7. In Act 1, Scene 5, Olunde sends a note to Jane. Why?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The role of women within the story is very muted, except for Iyaloja, who plays a critical role in the play as the voice of reason. What does the play suggest about the women's roles in each culture? How does Iyaloja's role deviate from the typical social construct of the time?

Essay Topic 2

How does self-sacrifice relate to this story? What can be inferred about the views on self-sacrifice between the two cultures?

Essay Topic 3

The theme of duty is important for the action of the text. Explain Elesin's duty and why failure of that duty would cause the Yoruban universe to spin out of control. Be sure to use in-text citations to support your claims.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 826 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample