2024 NABTEB GCE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH: Literature in English poetry and drama (Lit) Verified Ans. (7589)

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In Wole Soyinka’s play, The Lion and the Jewel, the theme of change is a dominant idea explored through the contrasting characters of Baroka and Lakunle. These two characters symbolize the conflict between tradition and modernity in the village of Ilujinle.

Baroka, the elderly village Bale, represents the strength and persistence of tradition. He values the customs of the Yoruba culture and strives to protect them from external influences. For example, he resists the construction of a railway through Ilujinle, arguing that it would bring disruption and moral decay. Baroka’s life is deeply rooted in traditional practices, as seen in his desire to take Sidi, the beautiful village maiden, as his wife. Despite his conservative stance, Baroka is not completely opposed to change. He cleverly adopts modern tools, such as a stamp-making machine, to make his administration more efficient while ensuring that his power remains unchallenged. This selective adaptation shows Baroka’s intelligence and his belief in progress that complements, rather than replaces, tradition.

In contrast, Lakunle, the young schoolteacher, embodies the drive for change and modernity. He strongly criticizes the traditional ways of life in Ilujinle, such as the payment of bride price, which he describes as barbaric and backward. Lakunle believes in Western education and technology as tools for transforming the village into a modern society. However, his ideals 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' often come across as shallow and impractical. For instance, he refuses to pay Sidi’s bride price, not out of principle, but because he considers it an unnecessary expense. Lakunle’s arrogance and lack of understanding of his people’s values often make him appear disconnected from the realities of the community he wants to reform.

The rivalry between Baroka and Lakunle over Sidi highlights the central conflict between tradition and change. While Lakunle offers Sidi a vision of modern love without bride price, Baroka uses his charm and cunning to win her over. Baroka’s triumph over Lakunle reflects the villagers’ preference for a leader who respects and preserves their cultural values while embracing necessary changes. Through Sidi’s choice, Soyinka suggests that tradition still holds significant importance, especially in rural communities like Ilujinle.

Another important aspect of the theme of change is how it affects gender roles and societal expectations. Baroka represents a patriarchal society where men are dominant, and women are expected to submit. Sidi initially resists this idea, as she takes pride in her newfound fame and beauty. However, her eventual submission to Baroka signifies the enduring power of tradition in shaping women’s roles in society. On the other hand, Lakunle advocates for equality between men and women, but his shallow understanding of modernity makes his ideas less convincing.

The Lion 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' and the Jewel emphasizes that change is inevitable, but it must be balanced with the preservation of cultural heritage. Soyinka uses Baroka and Lakunle as foils to illustrate the complexities of this balance. While Baroka’s selective adaptation of progress ensures stability, Lakunle’s extreme push for modernization alienates him from the people. The play teaches that meaningful progress comes from embracing change in a way that respects and builds on tradition, rather than discarding it

completely.

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Sidi and Sadiku in Wole Soyinka’s The Lion and the Jewel are two female characters with contrasting personalities, roles, and attitudes toward tradition.

Sidi is a young, beautiful, and proud woman. Her beauty makes her the center of attention in the village, and she becomes vain after her photographs appear in a magazine. Sidi mocks Baroka, the village Bale, calling him too old for her, and she boldly rejects Lakunle, the schoolteacher, because he refuses to pay her bride price. Sidi is outspoken and independent, challenging traditional expectations of women, but her inexperience leads to her being tricked by Baroka in the end.

Sadiku, on the other hand, is an old woman who represents tradition. As Baroka’s senior wife, she accepts her role in a male-dominated society and helps Baroka find new wives. Unlike Sidi, Sadiku is humble and loyal to tradition, working to preserve the customs of their village. However, she is naive and easily fooled, as seen when she believes Baroka’s false story about his impotence and celebrates it, unknowingly aiding his plan to win Sidi.

The contrast between Sidi and Sadiku is clear. Sidi is young, confident, and defiant, while Sadiku is old, submissive, and traditional. Sidi challenges the norms, while Sadiku works to uphold them. Despite their differences, both women are used by Baroka to maintain his power. Sidi’s defiance ultimately fails when Baroka manipulates her, and 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' Sadiku, despite her loyalty, becomes a tool in his scheme. This contrast highlights how the old ways still hold sway, and that no matter how strong-willed or independent a woman may be, she is still susceptible to the authority of men in a patriarchal society.

Sidi and Sadiku also contrast in their relationships with Baroka. Sidi, with her youthful beauty and pride, initially rejects Baroka’s advances, mocking him and seeing him as a symbol of outdated tradition. She believes she can control her own fate and does not need to submit to his power. However, Baroka ultimately outsmarts her, using his cunning to seduce her and demonstrate the futility of her resistance. In contrast, Sadiku has a long-standing, obedient relationship with Baroka. She respects his authority as the Bale and supports his decisions, believing in the strength of tradition. While she plays a role in helping Baroka find new wives, Sadiku’s loyalty to him shows how deeply rooted her faith in tradition is, and she never challenges his authority. This contrast in their relationships with Baroka further emphasizes the differences between Sidi’s youthful rebellion and Sadiku’s submission to the patriarchal order.

Sidi and Sadiku are opposites in many ways, but their roles help to show the tension between modern ideas and traditional values in the village of Ilujinle. Their contrasting approaches to life and their eventual manipulation by Baroka demonstrate the complex 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' relationship between tradition, power, and gender in the play.

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John Kargbo’s play, “Let Me Die Alone”, is a tragedy that delves into themes and elements characteristic of the genre. The narrative is marked by tragic events, including murders, human sacrifices, and betrayals, culminating in the suicidal death of the protagonist, Mama Yoko.

Mama Yoko’s tragic flaw lies in her misplaced trust, which ultimately leads to her downfall. Her honor suicide at the end of the play solidifies her position as a tragic heroine. This flaw is central to the tragic nature of the play, as it underscores the personal failings that lead to her demise. Her trust in the wrong people and her subsequent downfall illustrate the vulnerability and tragic dimension of her character.

The theme of betrayal is a significant element of the play’s tragic nature. Mama Yoko’s experience with betrayal, especially from those close to her, highlights the devastating impact of treachery. This betrayal not only contributes to her downfall but also serves to underscore the theme of misplaced trust and its tragic consequences.

The play employs literary devices such as foreshadowing and soliloquy to enhance its tragic tone. These devices hint at the impending doom and tragic death of the protagonist, adding layers of dramatic irony and tension. The use of soliloquy allows for introspection and a deeper understanding of Mama Yoko’s inner turmoil, while foreshadowing builds a sense of inevitable 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' tragedy.

The incorporation of social commentary, including the exploration of colonialism, gender discrimination, and the excessive desire for power, further reinforces the play’s tragic nature. These themes add depth to the narrative, highlighting the broader societal issues that contribute to the characters’ actions and the unfolding tragedy. The destructive nature of greed and the consequences of one’s actions are central to the play’s message, serving as a poignant commentary on the broader human condition.

The tragic events of the play, including Mama Yoko’s acceptance of a childless life in exchange for power and her ultimate suicide, serve as a powerful commentary on the costs of ambition and the harsh realities of leadership. Mama Yoko’s sacrifices and ultimate fate illustrate the high personal cost of power and the tragic consequences of her decisions.

Let Me Die Alone is a powerful tragedy that effectively employs various elements of the genre to convey its themes and message. Through the character of Mama Yoko, the play explores the complexities of leadership, the impact of betrayal, and the broader social issues that contribute to the unfolding tragedy. The tragic events and literary techniques used in the play craft a powerful story that reflects universal themes of ambition, trust, and the complexities of the huma

n experience.