How Does Wole Soyinka Present Women in His Play, The Lion and the Jewel?

Answer

How does Wole Soyinka present women in his play, The Lion and the Jewel?

“The Lion and The Jewel” (1962) is one of the finest dramas of Wole Soyinka (1934-present). In this drama, women play vital and central roles. Soyinka has tried to portray contemporary African culture through the presentation of women. Women are considered witless and slaves to men. The playwright has depicted women as dominated and more submissive toward men.

Dominated: In this play, society is completely male-dominated. Women have no right to raise their voices. Men can do whatever they want. Baroka, the head of the village, is addicted to polygamy. None of his wives dare to stop him. Women are dependent on men. They are just like puppets in the hands of male power. Even they are bound to find brides for their husbands. 

Submissive: Women are presented as submissive in “The Lion and The Jewel.” They can not make any decision. The best example of submissiveness is Sadiku, Baroka’s first wife. Baroka wants to marry Sidi. In that case, Sadiku herself sent this proposal to Sidi. She tries to convince her by saying,

It is a rich life, Sidi.

This line also suggests that women in that society are financially insecure and dependent on men. As a submissive wife, Sadiku has no objection regarding his husband’s other marriage.

Polygamy: The dramatist has vividly sketched the polygamous tradition of African society. Though he wants reform of polygamy, he is simultaneously uncertain and a supporter of this tradition. He creates a Sadiku-like submissive character in the play. Sadiku talks sweetly and convinces Sidi to marry Baroka. She says-

Will you be his sweetest, princes, soothing him on weary nights?

Sadiku, the Voice of Experience: Sadiku, Baroka’s senior wife, offers a contrasting perspective on womanhood. She embodies wisdom and experience, having lived through the changing tides of societal norms. Sadiku understands the power dynamics between men and women and uses her influence to guide the complexities of village politics. Her character illustrates the significance of women’s wisdom and solidarity in challenging oppressive systems.

Witless: Women are also shown as unintelligent. They have less intelligence than men. Sidi argues with Lakunle when he tells her that women possess smaller brains than men. He says that they are called the weaker sex. Lakunle’s remark to Sidi, 

…as a woman, you have a smaller brain than mine,

is another witless example of Sadiku’s characteristics. She does not find Baroka’s fault for having illicit sexual intimacy with Sidi. To her, it is quite a normal issue.

Slaves of Men: Women are considered men’s servants in this play. They are inherently meant to serve men. They have no choices. The only goal of their lives is to serve their men. Baroka treats his wives like slaves. He orders one of his wives to pluck out his armpit hair. It gives us a clear vision of women’s position in that society.

Old Fashioned: Sidi is a modern girl with traditional thoughts. Lakunle dislikes the bride price ritual. He offers Sidi to marry him without a bride price. But Sidi is a traditional girl. She does not agree with Lakunle. She thinks marrying without a bride price would reduce her value. That’s why she rejects his proposal. After getting trapped by Baroka, she is still prepared to marry him because Baroka promised to give the bride price. Sidi says:

They will say I was no virgin,

that I was forced to sell my shame and marry you without price.

Thus, Sidi’s decision to marry Baroka secures a long-term win for tradition in African society.

In “The Lion and the Jewel,” Wole Soyinka portrays women as multifaceted individuals capable of challenging traditional norms and shaping their destinies. Through characters like Sidi and Sadiku, Soyinka highlights women’s strength, independence, and wisdom by providing a nuanced portrayal of their roles in a changing society. The play serves as a testament to the stability and agency of women. It encourages the audience to question and challenge societal expectations placed upon them.