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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 do the women of the market claim took Olunde away?

2. How many kingdoms are the Yoruba divided into?

3. .The praise-singer could also be seen as _______________.

4. Jane influences Pilkings through ____________.

5. How does Elesin feel regarding Pilkings helping Olunde go to school?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does seeing Elesin alive mean to Olunde?

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

3. What is the "real" theme of the play, as stated by Soyinka in the author's note?

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

5. In Act 1, Scene 5, Olunde sends a note to Jane. Why?

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

7. 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?

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

9. Why does Olunde return to the Yoruba people in Act 1, Scene 4?

10. How does Elesin become aware that it is time for his own death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Fear plays a large part in the motivation of the actions of several people within the play. How does fear motivate the actions of characters within the play? Which characters are motivated by fear?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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