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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. What type of device plays the music in the Pilkings' home in Act 1, Scene 2?

2. Where is most of the play set?

3. A parallel can be seen between Pilkings and which other character in the play?

4. Soyinka's story is based upon ______.

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why is Joseph confused by the drumming?

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

5. What does Olunde tell Pilkings about stopping the death of his father, Elesin?

6. Explain the opening scene of Act 1, Scene 1. What do you find out about Elesin Oba?

7. Is Elesin's death useful to the Yoruban people by the end of the story? Why or why not?

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

9. Whom does Elesin initially blame for his failure to transition? Why?

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

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

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 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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