Question 4
WOLE SOYINKA: The Lion and the Jewel
Examine the significance of Sadiku’s dance
Observation
A good number of candidates attempted this question. Some of them gave a character sketch of Ochuole while others This question requires candidates to carefully examine the significance of Sadiku’s dance in the play.
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.
- Background to the dance: Baroka confides his impotence to Sadiku; Sadiku celebrates the “tragedy” of Baroka in public with a symbolic naked figure and dance.
- Implication(s) of Sadiku’s dance: Sadiku places the naked figure of Baroka by a tree; She addresses the naked figure through dance and insinuations thus she extols the power of women to make men impotent.
- Influence of Sadiku’s dance on Sidi: She is excited and joins in the “Victory” dance and the refrain song; Sidi races to mock Baroka and Sadiku urges her on.
- Sadiku uses dance to win the heart of Sidi when her earlier communication/interaction failed
Candidates’ performance in this question was good.