The Lion and the Jewel
by Wole Soyinka

Name: The Lion and the Jewel
Brand: Wole Soyinka
SKU: 9780199110834
Rating: 3.77 (1831 reviews)

The Lion and the Jewel Book Cover — The Lion and the Jewel Cover

Highlights

African

What readers are saying

Readers generally appreciate the insightful commentary on colonialism and gender in the play. Many highlight Wole Soyinka's literary genius, humor, and the strong themes of modernity versus tradition. However, there's a mixed bag of opinions with some finding it irrelevant or boring at times, especially among those reading it for academic purposes.

Insightful commentary on colonialismWole Soyinka's literary geniusHumorous and engagingProfound themes of traditionSome find it boring at timesMixed feelings among academic readers

Synopsis

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.

ThemesEthnomusicology Music