Question 4
WOLE SOYINKA: The Lion and the Jewel
What impression do you form of Lakunle in the play?
Observation
This question was also popular. Candidates who attempted this question only gave a narration of the storyline. Only a few related the theme to the question and identified the character of Lakunle.
A good response should contain the following:
- The theme of conflict between tradition and modernity
- Character identification of Lakunle.
- His lack of perception: he fails to see how he is regarded in the society (Sidi is always mocking him). He does not accept Sidi’s view of a man’s role in the society. He is very wrong about Sidi marrying him without the bride price
- His flippant and comic nature: leaves the classroom to go after Sidi when class is in session; discounts the issue of the bride price, uses fanciful names for Sidi thinking he is endearing himself to her. He displays ignorance regarding cultural matters, such as Sidi carrying a pail of water and he saying she is shortening her neck.
- His attachment to ‘modern’ ways: he is passionate about the failed railway project; he is obsessed with modern things; he loves the English language, but he speaks it in a bombast way
Candidates’ performance in this question was average.