lion and the jewel by wole soyinka movie

The mimes, which take place twice in the play, present flashbacks that give the play added historical depth. The Bale represents the centuries of tradition that extend into the present. Sidi represents the Nigerian people, who are tempted to believe the impotence of the past, but eventually experience its power. In what sense can the play be viewed as an allegory?Ĭritic Robert Willis writes, 'The play also has an allegorical level. The main themes, such as the clash between tradition and modernity, romantic rivalry, old vs. The motivations of the characters are universal-lust, pride, vanity, and jealousy. However, the story actually resonates on a far deeper level.

The cultural elements like a bride-price, the marriage and fertility celebration at the end, the invocation of Yoruba gods, and the opposition to such modern conveniences such as a railway make the play seem remote. The song, dance, and performances are foreign to Western audiences. It tells the story of a Nigerian village complete with: an aged, polygamous ruler a simple girl who carries a bucket of water on her head a conniving elderly woman eager to expand her husband's harem and a schoolteacher who is very much a product of his time and place. On the one hand, the play seems rather specific and local. Is the play more of a 'local' story, or does it have universal resonance beyond Nigeria?

It is telling that when he gets the chance to forgo his words by acting in the performances, he seems more relaxed and comfortable this is him momentarily letting go of the posturing and preening. However, Lakunle's words are fatuous and ridiculous. He uses words as a way of asserting power and learning: he tries to subdue the people around him with them. He has practically a dozen syllables for every word, critique after critique for those unlucky enough to come in his path, endless rumination on what a modern wife will be like and the progress he will bring to Ilujinle, prideful boasting, and more. How does Lakunle use words, and what does this say about his character? Baroka needs to feel masculine and in charge, and uses Sidi as a way of making that happen.

His own words reveal his intentions: he complains about the 'ruinous tongues' (45) of women that 'this town-bred daring / Of little girls, awaken in me / A seven-horned devil of strength (47) and that he ' his patience / Only when I meet with / The new immodesty with women' (49). However, when she slights his advances and calls him old, he hatches a plan to not only make her his wife but to put her in her place as well. He decides he wants a new wife and finds Sidi, newly famous from her magazine photo, a perfect candidate. The Bale is a crafty figure who is used to getting what he wants.

Lion and the jewel by wole soyinka movie