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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. The British had several Yoruban religious practices ______________.

2. In Act 1, Scene 1, Elesin and the praise-singer have a discussion where Elesin compares him to a jealous _______.

3. Which dance do Jane and Pilkings dance to in the second scene of the play?

4. In what way is Amusa related to Elesin?

5. What does Joseph hear in Act 1, Scene 2 that confuses him?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What is the significance of the term, "my mother", in African culture?

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

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

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

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

10. Who is Amusa and what is his role?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

Pilkings and Elesin are similar in many more ways than are directly visible to either of them. Explain the similarities that lie between Elesin and Pilkings and postulate as to why Soyinka would have chosen to add that particular element to the story.

Essay Topic 3

Which events of the play are set in a public place? Why does Soyinka do this?

(see the answer keys)

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