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Death and the King's Horseman: the plot
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Wole Soyinka's play (1975) is set in the Yoruba town of Oyo, Nigeria, under British colonial rule during the Second World War. It is based on a real event.
The ritual
The King has died. By tradition, his Horseman, Elesin Oba, must die on the night of the King's burial so that his spirit can accompany the King into the next world.
Elesin is honoured in the market by the women and their leader, Iyaloja, and by his Praise-Singer.
Before dying, he asks to marry a beautiful young woman who is already betrothed to Iyaloja's son. Iyaloja agrees.
Elesin is honoured in the market by the women and their leader, Iyaloja, and by his Praise-Singer.
Before dying, he asks to marry a beautiful young woman who is already betrothed to Iyaloja's son. Iyaloja agrees.
Colonial interference
Simon Pilkings, the British District Officer, and his wife Jane are preparing for a fancy-dress ball, wearing sacred egungun costumes.
When Pilkings learns of the ritual, he sends the police to stop it and arrests Elesin.
When Pilkings learns of the ritual, he sends the police to stop it and arrests Elesin.
The tragedy
Elesin's eldest son, Olunde, has been studying medicine in England. He returns to bury his father.
Finding his father alive and in chains, Olunde takes his place and dies.
Elesin, shamed, strangles himself with his chain. Iyaloja tells the Pilkingses that their interference has caused a greater tragedy.
Finding his father alive and in chains, Olunde takes his place and dies.
Elesin, shamed, strangles himself with his chain. Iyaloja tells the Pilkingses that their interference has caused a greater tragedy.
Why does Olunde die in his father's place?
- Elesin has failed to carry out his duty.
- Olunde believes the ritual is essential to his people's world.
- He sacrifices himself to restore the honour and order that his father lost.
Answer: To fulfil the duty his father failed, restoring his family's honour and his people's world.
The King's death and Elesin's duty, the marriage, the Pilkingses' costumes, the arrest, Olunde's return and sacrifice, and Elesin's death in chains.
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