WAEC Literature in English 2022 Theory — Question 12

Model answer

Points to develop: i. Relation to theme; ii. Instances of the play-within-the-play; iii. Features of the play-within-the play; iv. Purpose of the play-within-the-play; v. The significance of the play-within-the play. The play The Lion and the Jewel centres on the conflict between tradition and modernity which produces humorous and ridiculous effects. The play-within-the-play is embedded in the theme of the conflict between tradition and modernity as this further helps to project the theme. The play-within-the-play shows the coming of modernity to Ilujinle and how this was opposed by Baroka. It also establishes the background of the events in the play. There is a pantomime of the stranger with one eye box and his devil's own horse-motor car. He is described as 'the man from the outside world'. There is another pantomime about the thwarted railway construction that is to pass through Ilujinle. The white surveyor is bribed and the prisoners stop work. Lakunle plays the role of the 'stranger' as an imaginary driver while the girls 'crouch on the floor as four wheels of a car'. The presence of 'a snake', 'a monkey' and 'a roar' gives the performance a local colour. The performance also features Sidi's picturesque image which fascinates the drunken stranger as she sheepishly follows him. Baroka plays the role of the former Bale, Chief Baseje. The chief threatens and pacifies the stranger. He orders 'a feast in his honour'. The stranger first rejects the drinks, then accepts and drinks to stupor. He admires Sidi and takes 'all sorts of magazine postures and innumerable photographs of her'. The purpose of the play-within-in-the play is to entertain the people, particularly, the Bale. He tells the protesting Lakunle, 'without these things you call nonsense, a Bale's life would be pretty dull'. Besides, the performance is used to bring the audience up to speed on current incidents in the entire play. It is also used to justify Lakunle's resentment of the Bale's lifestyle and to shed light on the background of Ilujinle people. The play-within-the-play serves as a flashback to the entire events in the play. It also enriches the play's humour. It depicts the culture of hospitality and the spirit of togetherness that characterise African tradition. The performance establishes the source of feud (disagreement) between Lakunle and Baroka as captured in the interrupted railway construction. It serves as a link between the past and the present life of Ilujinle as evident in the coming of the magazine that changes Sidi's life and that of the village. It attracts and encourages audience participation.