CHARACTER ANALYSIS ON THE AFRICAN PROSE "THE LION AND THE JEWEL" - SS1 Literature Lesson Note

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Character Analysis

Major Characters

Sidi: Sidi is the protagonist of the play. She is a beautiful and independent young woman who is pursued by two men: Lakunle and Baroka. Sidi represents the clash between modernity and tradition in Africa. She is attracted to Baroka's power and virility, but she also wants to maintain her independence.
Lakunle: Lakunle is a schoolmaster who represents modernity. He believes that the only way for his village to progress is to modernize. Lakunle is appalled by Baroka's traditional ways, and he tries to convince Sidi to marry him instead. However, Sidi is not attracted to Lakunle's meekness and lack of virility.
Baroka: Baroka is a wealthy and powerful traditional ruler who represents tradition. He is a virile and charismatic man who is used to getting what he wants. Baroka is attracted to Sidi's beauty and independence, but he also wants to control her.
Roles and Significances

Sidi: Sidi is a significant character because she represents the changing role of women in African society. She is no longer content to be subservient to men. She wants to be treated with respect and equality.
Lakunle: Lakunle is a significant character because he represents the challenges that modernity presents to African society. He is caught between two worlds: the traditional world of his village and the modern world of his education.
Baroka: Baroka is a significant character because he represents the traditional values that are being challenged by modernity. He is a powerful and patriarchal figure who believes that men should be in control of women.
Relationships

Sidi and Lakunle: Sidi and Lakunle have a love-hate relationship. Sidi is attracted to Lakunle's intelligence and idealism, but she is also repelled by his meekness and lack of virility. Lakunle loves Sidi, but he is also frustrated by her independence and her refusal to be controlled.
Sidi and Baroka: Sidi and Baroka have a complex and passionate relationship. Sidi is attracted to Baroka's power and virility, but she is also afraid of him. Baroka is attracted to Sidi's beauty and independence, but he also wants to control her.
Minor Characters

Sadiku: Sadiku is Baroka's first wife. She is a wise and compassionate woman who tries to help Sidi.
The Wrestler: The Wrestler is a man who Baroka employs to wrestle him for exercise. He is a strong and loyal man who is also very naive.
The Stranger: The Stranger is a photographer from Lagos who stumbled upon Ilujinle sometime before the story starts. He himself never appears in the play, but Lakunle plays his part when the village acts out the stranger's arrival.
Roles and Significances

Sadiku: Sadiku is a significant character because she represents the traditional role of women in African society. She is a submissive and obedient wife.
The Wrestler: The Wrestler is a significant character because he represents the traditional values of strength and loyalty. He is also a symbol of Baroka's power and dominance.
The Stranger: The Stranger is a significant character because he represents the outside world and the changes that are coming to Ilujinle.
Relationships

Sadiku and Baroka: Sadiku is Baroka's first wife, but she is no longer his favorite. She is a kind and compassionate woman who tries to help Sidi.
The Wrestler and Baroka: The Wrestler is Baroka's employee and loyal friend. He is also a symbol of Baroka's power and dominance.
Lakunle and the Stranger: Lakunle plays the part of the Stranger when the village acts out his arrival. This shows Lakunle's fascination with the outside world and his desire to modernize his village.

Relationships

Sadiku and Baroka: Sadiku is Baroka's first wife, but she is no longer his favorite. She is a kind and compassionate woman who tries to help Sidi.
The Wrestler and Baroka: The Wrestler is Baroka's employee and loyal friend. He is also a symbol of Baroka's power and dominance.
Lakunle and the Stranger: Lakunle plays the part of the Stranger when the village acts out his arrival. This shows Lakunle's fascination with the outside world and his desire to modernize his village.
Conclusion

The characters in The Lion and the Jewel are complex and well-developed. They represent a variety of different values and perspectives. The play explores the clash between modernity and tradition in Africa through the relationships of its characters.