Through the Death and the King’s Horseman play, Wole Soyinka describes the experiences of British colonialists as they live alongside their African subjects in a post-Second World War Nigeria. The play is interspersed with a number of clashes between these 2 divergent cultures. Such aspects would make a casual observer to claim that Soyinka’s mainly seeks to explore the culture clashes that characterized this era. Such ideas are however refuted when a careful examination of the play is done. A close scrutiny reveals the playwright’s inclination to examine the themes of cross-cultural understanding, appreciation, and respect. Specifically, the play indicates that the native Yoruba community has values and interests that signify a confluence of Western and African cultures. These elements are employed by Soyinka to prove that the relationship between the Westerners and the Africans are characterized by mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation based on shared values and interests. The actions, utterances, and dispositions of characters, such as, Mr. Pilkings – the colonial District Officer, Jane – Pilkings’ wife, Elesin – the King’s Horseman – and Olunde -Elesin’s son, prove this point. To expound, Jane and Pilkings don traditional African clothing, thus indicating the Britons’ appreciation for African culture. Further, Olunde acquires Western education, thereby denoting his respect for Westerners’ educational prowess. It is also notable that despite Olunde’s somehow provocative statements, Jane does not become offensive, proving that the British lady respects Olunde’s opinions. The discussion between Jane and Olunde indicates a confluence of the idea of respect for human life among the Britons as well as the Yoruba. Moreover, the reactions to the tussle surrounding Elesin’s attempted suicide indicate a convergence of values regarding death for both the Yoruba as well as the Britons. The foregoing discussion indicates Soyinka’s portrayal of the confluence of Western and Yoruba values and interests through the experiences of Pilkings, Jane, Elesin, and Olunde.
To illustrate, the Pilkings’ couple don traditional Yoruba attire when they go for a ball, thus illustrating the Britons’ appreciation for the local customs. Rather than regard themselves as being too civilized to wear their subjects’ clothing, Mr. and Mrs. Pilkings depict their admiration for local customs by wearing Yoruba garb. Soyinka uses this incidence to indicate the desire by the Britons to cordially coexist with their African subjects.
Likewise, the Yoruba people demonstrate a desire to pursue Western interests as is evident through Olunde’s studies that are conducted in a Western nation. The confluence of the British and African desire to enhance intellectual prowess thus plays out. Olunde desires to improve his intellectual abilities hence his decision to pursue studies in Europe. Again, Soyinka proves that the African and Western cultures seek a common ground rather than contention.
Afterward, Jane kindly ignores Olunde’s hints of confrontation as the 2 converse, thus indicating the lady’s desire to wholeheartedly respect the African’s opinions. This incidence happens as Olunde explains that his stay in Europe has made him to learn that Europeans do not respect concepts they cannot comprehend. Obviously, Jane becomes infuriated with these confrontational remarks but fails to react to them. It is notable that Jane – who is Olunde’s superior – allows their subject to irk them without taking any action. This decision by the European lady illustrates her resolve to understand the views of her African subjects without being offended. On his part, Olunde also seeks for understanding from Jane. Consequently, Soyinka proves that there are subtle confluences between the Europeans and the Africans in the play.
Later, when Soyinka describes the event that gives the play its title, readers are made to note that the British and the Yoruba share some values regarding human life. The Yoruba king is dead. According to traditions, Elesin – who has been the King’s Horseman – should ritually commit suicide so as to assist the deceased king’s soul’s ascension into Heaven. Consequently, Elesin engages in merrymaking activities before his demise. He dances with the locals and even has sexual intercourse with a local girl. These activities indicate that Elesin values life and would like to enjoy it for the last time. Likewise, Mr. Pilkings’ reaction after hearing of this proposed suicide indicates the Westerner’s value and appreciation for life. Pilkings condemns this anticipated event and vows to stop it at all costs. The District Officer thus puts Elesin behind bars. The confluence of Western and Yoruba ideas about life thus play out. Both cultures hold that human life is sacred. These views explain the Yoruba idea that their dead king’s soul should ascend to Heaven (Soyinka 1845). Further, the idea that Elesin’s death can facilitate this ascension demonstrates the sanctity of life. Elesin’s soul will help redeem the soul of the dead king. Clearly, the Yoruba place much value on human life. Similarly, Mr. Pilkings – representing the Westerners -values human life, hence his decision to stop Elesin’s anticipated suicide. The administrator holds that the sanctity of human life cannot be unnecessarily violated. This explains his decision of incarcerating Elesin. Consequently, Soyinka proves that Yoruba and Western views about human life are similar.
In summary, Soyinka uses the Death and the King’s Horseman play to prove that Western and African ideas about certain issues such as intellectual advancement and human life are similar. This notion is elucidated through the actions, dispositions, and utterances of characters such as Mr. Pilkings, Olunde, Elesin, and Jane.
Work Cited
Soyinka, Wole. Death and the King’s Horseman. New York: HarperCollins, 1994. Print.