Tradition And Modernity In Wole Soyinka's The Lion And The Jewel

In Wole Soyinka’s 20th Century play The Lion and the Jewel, there is a constant battle between tradition and modernity as well as a post-colonial struggle seen both in a exhibited in the play's village of Ilujinle. Soyinka published this play at the time Nigeria was battling for independence and freedom under the British control around the 1940’s and 1950’s. Due to this, Nigeria was struggling with whether or not it was prepared for independence and able of conducting a modern western civilization. A few Nigerians perceive that it was the ideal opportunity for change while others questioned whether they should move past their present culture. I portray modernity to the domination of British culture during 1940’s and 1950’s on Nigeria’s lifestyle

Sidi has to choose between them, one offering her a modern marriage or the other offering her traditional marriage. Sidi responds to one of Lakunle's many proposals by stating, “… I shall marry you today, next week or any day you name. But my bride price must first be paid” (Soyinka). This is a very clear indication that if Lakunle would just accept the bride’s price of a traditional marriage, “the modern man” could have had his bride. Lakunle’s obsession for modernity gives Baroka the opportunity to win over Sidi. Since Baroka is a traditional man he will use the traditional rules and Sidi’s ego against her. Baroka knows that if he can seduce Sidi, shell have no choice but to marry him because she wont settle for modernity. It is clear that this love battle causes tradition to triumph over modernity, but there’s an internal conflict with all three of the characters as well. Each of these characters uses both tradition and modernity to their advantage and convenience. In mid play, Sidi’s internal conflict is shown when she was offered to be Baroka’s youngest wife. This is showcased when she benefits from Lakunle’s modern ideas about being property by stating, “He seeks to have me as his property where I must fade beneath his jealous hold” (Soyinka). even though she is a traditional girl she has consumed the modern idea of not becoming Baroka’s property. Baroka’s

Firstly by Baraka and Lankule’s demonstration of external conflicts in their fight or Sidi’s love. A second display of internal conflicts is when the characters both use tradition and modernity to their own advantage. Furthermore, the overall structure and plot of this play are implications of Soyinka’s constant conflict. Even though this conflict isn’t the only theme showcased in this play, Soyinka focuses very well on tradition versus modernity. Touching on common post-colonial struggle, it is also revealed in Soyinka’s The Lion and the Jewel, between modernity and tradition, both seen in a transparent manner. Its is more focused between the two main characters; Lakunle representing modernity, while Baroka represents tradition. Although, the struggle between the two is brought to an end, it’s rather obvious which lifestyle Soyinka advocates. Soynika makes it obvious by the way he depicts both Baraka and Lankunle. For example Lakunle displays foolishness in the play is what caused his downfall, whereas Bakora’s power and stength as the Bale of Ilunjile wins Sidi’s hand in marriage. This shows us that tradition was his ultimate weapon for the fight of Sidi’s