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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. To whom is Elesin's new bride betrothed?

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

3. What is Elesin doing when he realizes that his last day is almost over?

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

5. What does "Oba" mean?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why is Joseph confused by the drumming?

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

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

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

7. How does Olunde react when he sees Jane in the ancestral mask?

8. Explain what happens when Elesin emerges from the bridal tent.

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

10. Explain the differences in the actual incident in Nigeria and the story that Soyinka sets, in "Death and the King's Horseman".

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

How does Elesin's love of the Marketplace work to symbolize his love and appreciation for life? Explain using in-text citations.

Essay Topic 3

How does the idea of cultural relativism play an important role in understanding and interpreting the play?

(see the answer keys)

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