Question 4
WOLE SOYINKA: The Lion and the Jewel
Examine Baroka’s treatment of Sadiku in the play
Observation
This question requires candidates to carefully examine how Baroka treats Sadiku in the play. Many candidates were able to identify the characters of Baroka and Sadiku.
A good response should contain the following:
- The theme of conflict between tradition and modernity.
- Character identification: Sadiku is the eldest wife of Baroka; She is simple minded; She is an experienced old woman. Baroka is a sixty-two year old man. He is the chief of Ilujinle. He identifies himself as the lion, in recognition of his power and strength.
- Sadiku’s services to Baroka: Baroka uses Sadiku as a trusted matchmaker. She performs other wifely duties.
- Baroka’s treatment of Sadiku: Baroka orders Sadiku around. Baroka flatters Sadiku sometimes (‘many hands have touched this feet’, he says, but Sadiku’s are the best). Baroka calls Sadiku ‘Queen of all my wives’.
- Baroka’s triumph: Baroka seduces Sidi to the amazement of Sadiku. Sadiku, eventually, realizes that Baroka has tricked her.
Candidates’ performance in this question was good.