Soyinka’s Views of Modernity and Tradition in The Lion and the Jewel

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Recommended: Post colonialism application

A common post-colonial struggle shows itself in Soyinka’s The Lion and the Jewel between modernity and the traditional, seen both in a transparent manner as the Western World clearly and gradually influences the play’s village of Ilujinle as well as a deeper way between two of its central characters—Lakunle representing modernity while Baroka represents tradition. However, although the struggle is brought to fruition throughout the course of the play, it seems rather evident for which side Soyinka himself is more of a prominent advocate, obvious by the way he portrays both Lakunle and Baroka, and how they conclude their roles in the play. Lakunle’s follies in the play become his undoing, whereas Baroka’s strength and titular power as the Bale of the village wins Sidi’s hand in marriage, ultimately proving tradition to be the ultimate survivor in this battle royale.

However, Soyinka seems to blur the lines a bit more by including the rape of Sidi by Baroka. Although he believes tradition is the more honorable and best way to continue past an inhibited colonialism, he also understands that not all aspects of tradition are perfect. I saw his inclusion of this scene in which a forcible sexual encounter occurs to be his acceptance that all societies’ traditions have their flaws as well as their strengths. However, all cultures have their own versions of social norms, and as a “Westerner,” I accept that I do not know how Soyinka’s views of the matters he discusses in his play might differ from mine. Perhaps such an encounter as the sort between Baroka and Sidi might not seem like such a big deal to Soyinka as it did to me, and my reaction is simply an overreaction to a simpler idea.

Another important idea to keep in mind is that thi...

... middle of paper ...

...At the same time, he concedes that there are a few things in their tradition that could afford to be slightly tweaked. Overall, however, Soyinka’s attitude on the matter of modernity vs. tradition is that being their own nation is much more important to their sense of identity as a nation than a few measly perks that may come with full adaption of the Western World’s practices.

Works Cited

Gibbs, James and Bernth Lindfors. Research on Wole Soyinka. Trenton: Africa World

Press, 1993.

Soyinka, Wole. The Lion and the Jewel. 1959. Literature the Human Experience Reading

and Writing. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2006.

Willis, Robert J. The Lion and the Jewel. Cyclopedia of Literary Characters, Revised

Third Edition. Salem Press, Inc. 1998. Literary Reference Center: EBSCOhost.

20 February 2011. http://search.epnet.com.

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