27 pages • 54 minutes read
Wole SoyinkaThe Lion and the Jewel
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1962A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka is a three-act play set in the Nigerian village of Ilujinle. It follows the interactions between Sidi, the beautiful village girl; Lakunle, the modernizing schoolmaster; and Baroka, the cunning village chief. As Lakunle and Baroka compete for Sidi's hand in marriage, the play humorously explores themes of tradition versus modernity, gender roles, and generational conflict. Sensitive topics include a scene of non-consensual sex.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Wole Soyinka's The Lion and the Jewel expertly blends satire and cultural critique, depicting the clash between tradition and modernity in a Nigerian village. Reviews praise Soyinka's sharp wit and rich character development but note that some cultural references may be challenging for unfamiliar audiences. Overall, the play is lauded for its engaging narrative and thematic depth.
Who Should Read The Lion and the Jewel?
Readers who enjoy Wole Soyinka’s The Lion and the Jewel are typically interested in African literature, rich cultural narratives, and themes of tradition versus modernity. Fans of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart or Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o’s The River Between would appreciate this satirical play for its vibrant portrayal of Yoruba traditions and societal conflicts.