|
HOME »
WORKSHOPS » DRAMA » WOLE SOYINKA, DEATH AND THE KING'S HORSEMAN » READING
Wole Soyinka, Death and The King's Horseman
BIOGRAPHY
Reading » Re-Reading » Explorations
Reading Questions
Text on p. 2003 of the full Ninth Edition.
Reading Questions
1. Scene 1 is difficult to follow because there is little narrative thread. In the long lyrical conversation between the Praise Singer and Elesin, what is the Praise Singer telling Elesin? What is Elesin saying about himself? What do you think is the meaning of the conversation?
2. When Elesin says, "Memory is the Master of Death," what does he mean?
3. Why does Elesin want to have sex and impregnate the young woman who is betrothed to Iyaloja's son? How does Iyaloja respond to his request? What do you think of the request?
4. Simon Pilkings and his wife Jane wear the ceremonial garb of Death to a costume ball. What does that garb mean to the Yoruba? What does it mean to the Pilkings?
5. Why must Elesin commit ritual suicide? How do the townspeople feel about it? Why? What does Simon as the representative of the colonial government think about it? Why?
6. Why does Elesin's son, Olunde, return to Nigeria from medical school in England? What was the state of the relationship between Elesin and Olunde when Olunde left to study? What is it like now that Olunde has returned?
7. What does Olunde do when Elesin is placed in prison to prevent his suicide? How does Elesin react to his son's action?
|
In 
In 
In