Question 3
WOLE SOYINKA: The Lion and the Jewel
Show how building the railway is a significant part of the theme of the play
Observation
This is a popular question. However, most candidates did not know what to say concerning the railway and its significance. They only based their answers on Lakunle and Sidi.
A good response should contain:
- The theme of conflict between tradition and modernity.
- Identification of the railway as a failed project, sabotaged through an accident and bribery.
- The process (building of the project): the route is marked with stakes; the track is begun; the bull-roarer accident occurs; the sole survivor (the surveyor) of the project is bribed by Baroka; the project ends.
- Expectations from the project: it is supposed to enhance trade, bring about civilisation, project the village in the eyes of the world and make adventure and tourism possible.
- Result of the sabotage: the conflict between tradition and modernity still goes on.
Candidates’ performance was average.