Death Perspectives in 'Death and the King's Horseman'

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does Olunde suggest is important for Elesin and his culture in relation to death?

To die heroically and have their memory honored (correct)

To avoid death at all costs

To seek immortality through fame

To disregard the spiritual customs of their ancestors

Olunde believes that not dying when expected is considered cowardly.

True

What does Elesin feel about the District Officer's intervention in his death?

Elesin feels that the District Officer destroyed his life instead of saving it.

Elesin implies that __________ is a necessary part of gaining respect as a leader.

accepting the possibility of death Signup and view all the answers

Match the characters with their perspectives on death:

Elesin = Believes in dying honorably for his culture Olunde = Represents the traditional Yoruba view of death Simon Pilkings = Views intervention as protection from a cultural practice Jane = Questions the cultural norms surrounding death Signup and view all the answers

What does Elesin symbolize through his actions in the cellar?

The power of colonial forces over native traditions Signup and view all the answers

Elesin willingly accepts his fate without any doubts.

False Signup and view all the answers

What cultural practice does Elesin's death represent?

A traditional ritual connected to the beliefs about death and the afterlife. Signup and view all the answers

Elesin's chains symbolize the ___________ of African people under colonial rule.

dehumanization Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characters or elements with their descriptions:

Elesin = The central character facing cultural oppression Praise-Singer = The one who highlights the cultural practices The Not-I bird = A symbol of fear of death English colonizers = Agents of cultural dehumanization Signup and view all the answers

Which theme is most evident when Elesin dances and performs?

The fear of death Signup and view all the answers

The Praise-Singer's role is to discourage Elesin from his cultural obligations.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote about everyone, even the gods, fearing death indicate about the nature of death?

It suggests that death is a universal fear, transcending social and divine hierarchies. Signup and view all the answers

What concern does the female character express regarding Elesin's participation in the marriage ceremonies?

It might complicate his death. Signup and view all the answers

Elesin fully embraces his impending death without any hesitation.

False Signup and view all the answers

How does the Yoruba perspective on death differ from that of the English characters?

The Yoruba perspective sees death as inevitable and honorable, while the English characters view life with a focus on the sanctity of all life. Signup and view all the answers

Iyaloja is the only named Yoruba woman in the play and is considered the __________ of the market.

mother Signup and view all the answers

Match the themes with their descriptions:

Honoring Death = Embracing the inevitability of death Cultural Conflict = Clash between Yoruba and English views on life Women's Roles = Impact of women's contributions to social order Life and Desire = Elesin's struggle with his love for life Signup and view all the answers

What does Elesin ultimately admit about his feelings towards life?

He loved life too much. Signup and view all the answers

Women typically do not benefit from the actions of the men around them in the narrative.

False Signup and view all the answers

What icon system is used in LitCharts literature guides to track themes?

Color-coded icons. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

The play, Death and the King's Horseman, is based on real events in Nigeria in 1946.
The play explores the difficult relationship between traditional Nigerian culture and Western modernization.
Wole Soyinka wrote Death and the King's Horseman in 1975, while exiled from Nigeria.
The play features egungun costumes as a key part of the Yoruba religion.

Biographical Information on Wole Soyinka

Soyinka grew up in British Nigeria, in a relatively well-off family.
His father was an Anglican minister and school headmaster.
He studied in Nigeria at a London-affiliated college and then in England, obtaining further degrees.
Soyinka's career included writing plays and editing literary magazines in both England and Nigeria
The author was involved in Nigerian politics in the 1960s and imprisoned for two years.
One of his books was banned in Nigeria.

Historical Context

The play centers around 1946 in Nigeria.
The English district commissioner tried to stop the king's horseman from committing ritual suicide.
Unlike common belief, The tradition wasn't religiously necessary.
The egungun costumes are a part of the Yoruba tradition.
They are worn to channel ancestors.

Many of Soyinka's plays and novels consider the relationship between traditional Nigerian culture and Western influences.
Other notable works include The Lion and the Jewel, Season of Anomy, and Aké: The Years of Childhood.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie also examined these intersections.
Oba Wàjà, by Duro Ladipo, touches on similar themes.

Key Facts

Full Title: Death and the King's Horseman
When Written: 1973-74
When Published: 1975
Literary Period: Postcolonial African Diaspora
Genre: Drama, Tragedy
Setting: Oyo, Nigeria; during World War Two
Climax: Elesin commits suicide
Antagonist: Simon Pilkings and the British, colonialism
Point of View: Theater

Plot Summary

Near the end of a day, Elesin, the king's horseman, dances in the market.
He is happy to be alive in the marketplace among the women.
He dances through the marketplace in a trance-like state, calling on others to join him.
The praise singer, lyaloja, and others encourage Elesin's continued life and tell him that he's a honorable man.
Later, Elesin's son Olunde is brought into the story.
Elesin, the women, and his praise-singer discuss how Elesin is a honorable man.
Elesin tries to marry the young woman, and lyaloja is against this.
Elesin is eventually arrested.
A British officer, Pilkings, is initially shocked by a note sent by Amusa.
Olunde reveals that Elesin's death is unavoidable, even if Pilkings stops him. This causes trouble.
Elesin dies in jail.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the themes of death and cultural expectations in Wole Soyinka's 'Death and the King's Horseman'. Delve into characters' views, particularly Olunde and Elesin, and their implications for leadership and respect within their culture. This quiz engages with the intricate interplay between personal and social obligations regarding death.

Death Perspectives in 'Death and the King's Horseman'

Choose a study mode

Podcast

Questions and Answers

What does Olunde suggest is important for Elesin and his culture in relation to death?

Olunde believes that not dying when expected is considered cowardly.

What does Elesin feel about the District Officer's intervention in his death?

Elesin implies that __________ is a necessary part of gaining respect as a leader.

Match the characters with their perspectives on death:

What does Elesin symbolize through his actions in the cellar?

Elesin willingly accepts his fate without any doubts.

What cultural practice does Elesin's death represent?

Elesin's chains symbolize the ___________ of African people under colonial rule.

Match the following characters or elements with their descriptions:

Which theme is most evident when Elesin dances and performs?

The Praise-Singer's role is to discourage Elesin from his cultural obligations.

What does the quote about everyone, even the gods, fearing death indicate about the nature of death?

What concern does the female character express regarding Elesin's participation in the marriage ceremonies?

Elesin fully embraces his impending death without any hesitation.

How does the Yoruba perspective on death differ from that of the English characters?

Iyaloja is the only named Yoruba woman in the play and is considered the __________ of the market.

Match the themes with their descriptions:

What does Elesin ultimately admit about his feelings towards life?

Women typically do not benefit from the actions of the men around them in the narrative.

What icon system is used in LitCharts literature guides to track themes?