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?

Serubawon Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately caused Serubawon to commit suicide?

His shame over his actions. Signup and view all the answers

Who intervened to alter the situation during the IJEDODO ritual?

Iya Agba Signup and view all the answers

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

She went into labor with Delani's child. Signup and view all the answers

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

A more democratic process for selecting the new king. Signup and view all the answers

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

The challenges of leadership and dictatorship in Nigeria Signup and view all the answers

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

In an unnamed traditional African village with Yoruba origin Signup and view all the answers

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

Ajanaku Signup and view all the answers

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

Performs rites and attempts to bribe the elders Signup and view all the answers

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

She is his wife Signup and view all the answers

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

Sudden and abrupt ends Signup and view all the answers

Which characters unite against the tyrant Ajanaku?

Iya Agba, Desola, Odekunle, and Delani Signup and view all the answers

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

The need for democracy and resistance against tyranny Signup and view all the answers

What does Iya Agba accuse Ajanaku of?

Taking what doesn't belong to him Signup and view all the answers

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

Omoyeni Signup and view all the answers

What crime does Ajanaku commit against Desola?

Rape Signup and view all the answers

What does Serubawon confess before his suicide?

His true parentage of Ajanaku Signup and view all the answers

What does Ajanaku try to complete to gain immortality?

The IJEDODO ritual Signup and view all the answers

What does Iya Agba help Desola and others to do?

Reclaim their rights and lives Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Ajanaku at the end of the ritual?

He falls dead Signup and view all the answers

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

He commits suicide Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason Omoyeni agreed to marry Ajanaku?

Ajanaku threatened her family. Signup and view all the answers

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

Iya Agba Signup and view all the answers

How did Ajanaku handle complaints from the people of Oguno?

He ignored their complaints. Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Serubawon take against King Akinjiobi?

He betrayed the king by sleeping with one of his wives. Signup and view all the answers

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

Dictatorship Signup and view all the answers

What led to King Akinjiobi's death?

Betrayal by Serubawon. Signup and view all the answers

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

Bribery and corruption. Signup and view all the answers

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

He oppressed the people and took their resources. Signup and view all the answers

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

He demanded more tributes. Signup and view all the answers

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

An oppressor or dictator. Signup and view all the answers

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

Foreshadowing. Signup and view all the answers

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

Through indirect innuendo. Signup and view all the answers

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

Dramatic irony. Signup and view all the answers

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

Not all sons resemble their fathers. Signup and view all the answers

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

Wickedness can lead to self-destruction. Signup and view all the answers

Which theme is NOT mentioned in the play?

Wealth accumulation. Signup and view all the answers

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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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.