The Lion and the Jewel (Three Crowns Book) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you've ever found the world around you changing and weren't quite sure where you fit into the scheme of things, this play is one you'll want to read. Soyinka develops several themes throughout the work- some of the most relevant themes include the struggle for power between men and women and tradition versus modernization. The play takes place in a small African village that has been relatively untouched by Western civilization. The plot centers around a beautiful young girl named Sidi and her experiences. The greatest conflict is presented in the two men who have fallen in love with her- Lakunle, the modern schoolteacher who wants to marry for love and honor, and Baroka, the village bale (chief), who wants Sidi for himself because she is beautiful and he traditionally has a right to any woman he wants. Sidi, who is stubborn and haughty, is caught not only between these two men, but between the ideals they represent. Lakunle's ideas seem to make sense to her but the tradition by which the people of the town govern their daily lives has been all she has ever known. Soyinka uses humor and biting sarcasm to set his scene and sharply characterize Sidi, Lakunle, Baroka, and the Bale's oldest wife, Sadiku. Who and what will Sidi choose? And what does that decision say about our human nature? Soyinka lets you make your own judgement. Sidi:"Come to my wedding if you will. If not...[She shrugs her shoulders. Kneels down at Sadiku's feet.] Mother of brides, your blessing..."

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This is one of the best-known plays by Africa's major dramatist, Wole Soyinka. It is set in the Yoruba village of Ilunjinle. The main characters are Sidi (the Jewel), 'a true village belle' and Baroka (the Lion), the crafty and powerful Bale of the village, Lakunle, the young teacher, influenced by western ways, and Sadiku, the eldest of Baroka's wives. How the Lion hunts the Jewel is the theme of this ribald comedy.

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