Literature-In-English Paper 3 WASSCE (PC 2ND), 2022

Question 3       WOLE SOYINKA: The Lion and the Jewel
How do Baroka and Lakule view courtship and marriage in the play?

Observation

 

This is a popular question that requires the candidates to provide an in-depth explanation of how Baroka and Lakunle view courtship and marriage.  However, most candidates only centred on the interactions between the two characters.
A good response should contain:

  • The theme of conflict between tradition and modernity.
  • Identification of Baroka, Lakunle and Sidi as characters in the play.
  • Lakunle’s view: uses bombast English to impress Sidi, insists on not paying the bride price, sees marriage as monogamous and western.
  • Baroka’s view: sees marriage as polygamous and a traditional affair.
  • Assessment: Lakunle’s attempts fail but Baroka’s traditional methods pay off.

The candidates’ performance was average.