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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. "Death and the King's Horseman" is a story of ____________________ rather than British colonization.

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

3. What does Elesin claim his response will NOT be when death comes for him?

4. How many kingdoms are the Yoruba divided into?

5. The messenger should be denied _______ he asks for.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. How does Elesin kill himself?

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

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

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

10. In Act 1, Scene 1 the praise-singer talks to Elesin about how the Yoruban people have not betrayed their culture, even in the midst of the British occupation. What does the praise-singer claim is the only way the Yoruban people will fail?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Elesin explain his failure to complete his transition? How do God and intervention relate to one another in this respect?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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