Discuss the Role of Sidi in “The Lion and the Jewel”

Answer

Discuss the Role of Sidi in “The Lion and the Jewel”

or, Sketch the character of Sidi.

Sidi is one of the main characters in Wole Soyinka’s (1934-present) play “The Lion and the Jewel” (1959). She is a young and beautiful woman. She is the ‘Jewel’ of the title. She is admired by everyone in her village, Ilujinle. Her beauty makes her the center of attention throughout the play. She is also proud of her beauty and thinks herself superior to any man in the village. Her character reflects themes like pride, vanity, and the role of women in society. 

Sidi’s Beauty and Confidence: Sidi is the village belle of Ilujinle. She is very beautiful and is acutely aware of that fact. Her attractiveness makes her proud and confident. She becomes the center of attention in the village, especially when a traveling photographer publishes her photo in the magazine. This fact makes Sidi realize her value. It gives her a sense of power. Sidi says:

“I am greater than … the living god among men.”

She begins to think that she is more important than anyone else in the village. She proudly declares that she is more important than the powerful Bale of the village, Baroka, because of her fame.

Sidi’s Vanity: While Sidi’s confidence is admirable, it also turns into vanity. She becomes overly focused on her beauty and her new status after seeing her photographs. This vanity blinds her to the dangers around her, especially Baroka’s cunning. For example, when Baroka sends Sadiku to propose marriage on his behalf, Sidi mocks him. Sidi calls him an old man. Sidi says:

“I am young and brimming; he [Baroka] is spent.

I am the twinkle of a jewel.”

She believes that her beauty gives her complete control over Baroka. However, her pride leads to her downfall when Baroka tricks and rapes her.

Sidi’s Innocence and Naivety: Sidi is also innocent and inexperienced. She does not understand Baroka’s