Theory question 104
Set Text: The Lion and the JewelLiterature 2, Section A. Wole Soyinka: The Lion and the Jewel
Discuss the conflict between modernism and traditionalism in the play.
Show the model answer
Model answer
Lakunle (modern teacher) versus Baroka (traditional chief).
Bride price: Lakunle rejects it, Sidi insists.
Baroka blocks the railway; prefers village ways but uses a stamp machine.
Sidi's photographs in the magazine; vanity from modern media.
Sidi chooses Baroka: tradition wins, but Baroka adapts.
Soyinka satirises shallow modernism and shows tradition can be cunning.
Explanation
Show both sides and the outcome.