WAEC Literature in English 2021 Theory — Question 11

Model answer

Points to develop: relation to theme; character identification; her character from what she says/thinks; her character from what she does; her character from what others say about her. The play centres on the theme of colonial exploitation, tradition, and unfair demands on womanhood, realized through Yoko's characterization. Madam Yoko is the favourite wife of Gbanya, ruler of Mende Kingdom, introduced as a Sande dancer and sister of Lamboi. She is ambitious and courageous, shown by counselling Gbanya on dealing with colonialists, joining an all-male secret society, and being portrayed as submissive/loyal yet using courtesy and 'please' with Gbanya. She usurps the chiefdom after Gbanya's death, fights internal and external wars, delivers fair verdicts, but is also accused by Musa and Lamboi of murder, humiliated by Mende women who call her names, and ultimately commits suicide to protect her dignity — remembered as a tragic hero for her leadership traits blending grace, bravery, peace, and authority.