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

Short Answer Questions

1. Where was the author educated?

2. Which word best describes Jane's feelings toward the Yoruban traditions and customs, according to the text?

3. Oyo is a _______________.

4. As stated by the praise-singer in the play, what does a man forget when he approaches a brand new bride?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Amusa refuse to speak directly to Pilkings during their encounter in Act 1, Scene 2?

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

3. Does Soyinka believe that the British were responsible for the suicide of Elesin and his son? Why or why not?

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

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

6. Where does Elesin choose to make his transition? Why does he choose this place?

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

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

9. How is foreshadowing present in the opening scene of the play?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How might the meaning of the story change, had the author only stated that the British involvement was crucial to the plot?

Essay Topic 2

Soyinka clearly had many purposes for introducing this play to the world. This can especially be seen within the author's note. Given the author's note, what do you believe were Soyinka's intentions for introducing this story to Western society?

Essay Topic 3

What significance does the Marketplace hold for the story? What significance does the Marketplace hold for Elesin Oba in particular? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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