Once Upon An Elephant Play Overview
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Questions and Answers

What action did Ajanaku take regarding the land dispute?

  • He took over the land for himself. (correct)
  • He shared the land with the villagers.
  • He abandoned the land completely.
  • He decided to settle the dispute fairly.

Who accused Ajanaku of taking what did not belong to him?

  • Odekunle
  • Iya Agba (correct)
  • Desola
  • Omoyeni

What is the primary purpose of the IJEDODO ritual?

  • To ensure a peaceful reign for the new king.
  • To celebrate the king's ascension.
  • To provide crops for the villagers.
  • To gain immortality for the participant. (correct)

Who is revealed to be Ajanaku's real father?

<p>Serubawon (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately caused Serubawon to commit suicide?

<p>His shame over his actions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who intervened to alter the situation during the IJEDODO ritual?

<p>Iya Agba (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for Omoyeni after Ajanaku's death?

<p>She went into labor with Delani's child. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What signifies a potential change in leadership after Ajanaku's death?

<p>A more democratic process for selecting the new king. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary issue addressed in the play 'Once Upon An Elephant'?

<p>The challenges of leadership and dictatorship in Nigeria (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the play 'Once Upon An Elephant' set?

<p>In an unnamed traditional African village with Yoruba origin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which character is plotted against to take the throne after King Akinjiobi's death?

<p>Ajanaku (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action does Serubawon take to support Ajanaku's rise to power?

<p>Performs rites and attempts to bribe the elders (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Iya Agba's relationship to the late King Akinjiobi?

<p>She is his wife (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the play, what is depicted as a common outcome of dictatorship?

<p>Sudden and abrupt ends (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characters unite against the tyrant Ajanaku?

<p>Iya Agba, Desola, Odekunle, and Delani (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major thematic element does the play explore within the African political context?

<p>The need for democracy and resistance against tyranny (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Iya Agba accuse Ajanaku of?

<p>Taking what doesn't belong to him (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who reveals the true father of her child to Iya Agba?

<p>Omoyeni (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What crime does Ajanaku commit against Desola?

<p>Rape (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Serubawon confess before his suicide?

<p>His true parentage of Ajanaku (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Ajanaku try to complete to gain immortality?

<p>The IJEDODO ritual (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Iya Agba help Desola and others to do?

<p>Reclaim their rights and lives (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Ajanaku at the end of the ritual?

<p>He falls dead (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of Serubawon’s actions after confessing?

<p>He commits suicide (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason Omoyeni agreed to marry Ajanaku?

<p>Ajanaku threatened her family. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What character revealed that Delani was the father of Omoyeni's child?

<p>Iya Agba (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Ajanaku handle complaints from the people of Oguno?

<p>He ignored their complaints. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Serubawon take against King Akinjiobi?

<p>He betrayed the king by sleeping with one of his wives. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What theme highlights Ajanaku's refusal to listen to the elders?

<p>Dictatorship (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What led to King Akinjiobi's death?

<p>Betrayal by Serubawon. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key factor in Ajanaku's rise to power?

<p>Bribery and corruption. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the theme of poor leadership indicate about Ajanaku's actions?

<p>He oppressed the people and took their resources. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Ajanaku's reaction to Oguno's plea for help?

<p>He demanded more tributes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the name 'Ajanaku' metaphorically represent in the play?

<p>An oppressor or dictator. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which literary device is employed when Ogundele mentions the need to understand Serubawon’s twisted values?

<p>Foreshadowing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Iya Agba often communicate her messages throughout the play?

<p>Through indirect innuendo. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of irony is demonstrated when Ajanaku claims responsibility for Omoyeni's pregnancy?

<p>Dramatic irony. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the lizard may resemble a crocodile, but they are certainly different' imply?

<p>Not all sons resemble their fathers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is inferred by the situational irony in Serubawon’s fate?

<p>Wickedness can lead to self-destruction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theme is NOT mentioned in the play?

<p>Wealth accumulation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Once Upon An Elephant - Background

The play examines leadership issues in Nigeria and Africa, highlighting the struggles of democratic transitions in dictatorial societies.

Setting of Once Upon an Elephant

A traditional African village with Yoruba origins, reflecting Nigerian and African political contexts.

Plot - Succession Crisis

The play centers on the succession crisis after the death of King Akinjiobi, involving competing claims to the throne.

Ajanaku

A character in the play who plots to become king through bribery and manipulation.

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Serubawon

A character who aids Ajanaku's succession plan, acting as the king-maker.

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Iya Agba

A character who opposes the tyrant king Ajanaku.

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Dictatorial Power

The play's focus on power struggles and manipulation within a dictatorship.

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Act/Scene Structure

The play is structured into 14 acts without scenes.

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Ajanaku's Tyranny

Ajanaku's act of taking land that didn't belong to him, displaying his cruel and unjust leadership.

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Iya Agba's Accusations

Iya Agba's accusations of Ajanaku and Omoyeni, raising doubts about ownership of land, children, etc.

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IJEDODO Ritual

A ritual rape used for keeping a person alive, but it involved painful death for victims.

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Serubawon's Corruption

Serubawon's actions of causing the late king's illness and having an affair, leading to hidden truths and lies.

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Desola's ordeal

Desola's suffering from the IJEDODO ritual and the intervention of Iya Agba to help, highlighting the need for justice.

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Iya Agba's Intervention

Iya Agba's role in helping victims of Ajanaku and bringing about justice, displaying her courage and strength.

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Ajanaku's Death

Ajanaku's death at the JOBEL ceremony, brought about by the victims of his tyranny and his own actions.

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Serubawon's Suicide

Serubawon's suicide following the atrocities committed and the shame of facing his family.

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Ajanaku's motivation

Ajanaku sought power and immortality, manipulating others to achieve his goals.

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Iya Agba's role

Iya Agba, a wronged woman, guided victims of Ajanaku to reclaim their lives.

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Serubawon's crime

Serubawon, using deceit, conspired to take the throne and had an affair with the king's wife.

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Desola's trauma

Desola, Ajanaku's half-sister, was raped, contributing to the tragic plot and events.

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Serubawon's confession

Serubawon revealed his role in the plot, leading to his suicide and the ending.

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Omoyeni's truth

Omoyeni revealed Delani as the father of her child, exposing Ajanaku's deception.

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Internal Colonialism

Exploitation of one group by another within the same nation, often involving economic, political, and cultural dominance.

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Foreshadowing

A literary device where the author hints at future events early in the story.

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Innuendo

An indirect and often malicious implication or suggestion.

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Dramatic Irony

A situation where the audience knows something that a character in the story does not.

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Situational Irony

When the outcome of an event is the opposite of what is expected.

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Role of language

The play uses both simple English and Yoruba words, reflecting the cultural context.

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Ajanaku's Character

Ajanaku represents a tyrant who uses power to oppress and exploit.

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Theme of Power

The play explores the misuse of power, corruption, and the struggle for control.

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Ajanaku's leadership style

Ajanaku, the king, ruled with dictatorship, refusing advice, forcefully taking lands, and prioritizing his desires over others' needs. He unjustly handled complaints and even threatened people.

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Betrayal in the play

Serubawon, a trusted friend, betrayed the late King Akinjiobi by sleeping with the king's wife and plotting his son's ascension to the throne. This shows a loss of trust.

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Poor leadership

Ajanaku's leadership style, marked by injustice, oppression, and the forceful taking of resources, is contrasted with his father's more just rulership.

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Corruption in the play

Ajanaku and Serubawon used bribery (gifts) to win support from the elders and hunters, demonstrating how leadership can be influenced by corruption.

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Omoyeni's role

Omoyeni, the wife to Ajanaku initially, experiences forced marriage due to threats, is later revealed to have a child with her lover Delani, and eventually agrees to reconcile with Delani when the crisis subsides.

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Delani's significance

Delani is Omoyeni's lover and the father of her child. He plays an essential role in Omoyeni's journey and the play's events from the threats, to the forced marriage finally reconciled.

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King Akinjiobi's legacy

King Akinjiobi's rule served as a contrast to his son Ajanaku's, showcasing his more just leadership style.

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The impact of power

Ajanaku wielded his power to take lands and threaten people. He used his position for personal gain, exhibiting a negative influence.

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Study Notes

Background of the Play

  • The play "Once Upon An Elephant" examines leadership challenges in Nigeria and Africa.
  • It highlights the issues associated with dictatorial leadership.
  • It portrays the need for collective action to restore democracy in dictatorial regimes.
  • The play exposes the evils and secrecy inherent in dictatorial powers.
  • The play shows how dictatorships often end abruptly due to resistance from those affected.

Setting of the Play

  • The play is set in a traditional African village of Yoruba origin.
  • The village depicts a simple lifestyle with no signs of foreign cultural influence.
  • The setting mirrors the Nigerian and African political context, reflecting contemporary political issues.

Plot

  • The play begins in media res with King Akinjiobi's illness and succession plot.
  • Ajanaku and Serubawon plan to seize the throne.
  • Serubawon performs rites for Ajanaku's rise to power.
  • Elders are bribed to support Ajanaku.
  • Ajanaku is crowned king and engages in unjust actions, such as taking land and raping Desola.
  • Iya Agba, Desola, and others resist Ajanaku's tyranny.
  • Serubawon confesses his crimes in Ajanaku's attempt to take power.
  • Iya Agba intervenes to protect those wronged by Ajanaku.
  • Serubawon commits suicide.
  • Desola and the community regain power.
  • Omoyeni gives birth to Delani's child during the play.

Major Incidents

  • Serubawon performs rites on Ajanaku.
  • Ajanaku and Serubawon bribe elders.
  • Desola and her lover meet secretly.
  • Desola tells her father about the rape.
  • Omoyeni reveals the true father of her child.
  • Iyale and others seek Iya Agba's help for Desola.
  • Serubawon confesses to the crimes.
  • Ajanaku and Serubawon are overthrown.

Characters

  • Ajanaku/Olaniyonu: Tyrant king, ambitious, lustful for power, and tyrannical.
  • Serubawon: Seer, medicine man, and the real father of Ajanaku, betrayed the king.
  • Iya Agba: Former wife of the king, rightful heir, resisted Ajanaku.
  • Omoyeni: Wife of Ajanaku, and mother.
  • Desola: Serubawon's daughter, raped by Ajanaku.
  • Odekunle: Desola's lover.
  • Odejimi: One of the respected elders in the community.

Themes

  • Dictatorship: Ajanaku's forceful rule, ignoring elders' advice, and taking land.
  • Betrayal: Serubawon's betrayal of the king and his own family.
  • Poor Leadership/Injustice: Ajanaku's oppression of the people and land.
  • Corruption/Bribery: Corruption to get to power.

Style and Technique

  • Diction/Language: Simple English with Yoruba words.
  • Foreshadowing: Hints of future events are given.
  • Innuendo: Indirect and suggestive statements are used.

Other Themes

  • Internal Colonialism: The play shows how the people of Oguno were mistreated when they asked for Ajanaku's help.
  • Triumph of good over evil: Characters unite to fight injustice from Ajanaku and reclaim their rights.
  • Adultery: The playwright depicts the immoral behavior of Serubawon and also Ajanaku.

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Full Analysis of the Play "Once Upon an Elephant" PDF

Description

Explore the leadership challenges depicted in the play 'Once Upon An Elephant', which highlights the consequences of dictatorial leadership in Nigeria and Africa. Set in a traditional Yoruba village, the play emphasizes the need for collective action to restore democracy amidst political turmoil.

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