Draw the character of Lakunle from your reading of the drama ‘The Lion and the Jewel.’

Answer

Draw the character of Lakunle from your reading of the drama ‘The Lion and the Jewel.’

The character of Lakunle: “Lakunle” is a significant character in Wole Soyinka’s (1934-Present) play “The Lion and the Jewel,” published in 1962. He is a schoolteacher in the village of Ilujinle and represents modernity and Western influence in the traditional Yoruba society depicted in the play. Here are some critical aspects of Lakunle’s character:

Modern and Educated: Lakunle is educated and has adopted Western ways of thinking. As a schoolteacher, he represents the influence of Western education in the village. His character embodies the clash between traditional African values and the changes brought about by Western education.

Lakunle often exhibits his knowledge of Western concepts in the play, but his understanding is sometimes superficial. It is evident when he tries to explain scientific ideas or quote Shakespeare but does so in a way that exposes his lack of practical wisdom. Again, Lakunle tries to court Sidi in the following manner,

Be a modern wife, look me in the eye

And give me a little kiss.

Rejection of Tradition: Lakunle rejects many of the village’s traditional customs and practices. He considers the customs backdated and superstitious. His refusal to pay the bride price for Sidi, the village beauty, is a significant example of his disdain for traditional norms. On the other hand, Sidi thinks marrying without the bride price would make her a laughing object. Sidi says, 

Will you make me

A laughing-stock?

It sets the stage for the conflict between Lakunle and the traditionalist characters in the play.

Idealistic and Romantic: Lakunle is portrayed as an ideological and romantic character. He is fascinated by Sidi and desires to marry her. However, his approach is unconventional, as he wants to marry her without paying the bride price. This unconventional approach reflects his rejection of traditional marriage customs.

Comic Relief: Lakunle also serves as a source of comic relief in the play. His interactions with Sidi, his attempts to impress her with his modern ideas, and his comical misunderstandings contribute to the humorous elements of the drama. In Act 1, Scene 2, Lakunle approaches Sidi and tries to express his admiration for her beauty using Shakespearean language. He says:

When I behold the heavens on a starry night and contemplate the infinite marvels of the universe, thou alone makest my heart to flutter like the wings of a butterfly!

Unfamiliar with Shakespearean language, Sidi is confused and responds straightforwardly and practically. She says:

Why do you talk like a madman? What are you saying?

Lakunle’s attempt to use lofty and poetic language to woo Sidi becomes a source of humor because of the stark contrast between his romantic, Shakespearean expressions and Sidi’s down-to-earth response.

Symbol of Change: Lakunle can symbolize the changing times and the clash between tradition and modernity in post-colonial Africa. His character represents the challenge that traditional societies face when confronted with the influence of Western education and values.

Lack of Practicality: Despite his education, Lakunle is often portrayed as impractical and naive. His idealistic views and refusal to conform to traditional norms lead to humorous situations and contribute to the satire in the play.

In “The Lion and the Jewel,” Soyinka uses Lakunle’s character to explore themes of cultural clash, the impact of modern education on traditional societies, and the complexities of social change in post-colonial Africa.