Saturday, December 26, 2009

How would you compare and contrast the views held by Lakunle and Baroka regarding the role of women in society?

In regards to the role of women in society, Lakunle and Baroka initially appear to have drastically different opinions throughout the play. Lakunle favors modernity and believes that women should have increased opportunities to learn and participate in the economy. He disagrees with the Yoruba tradition of paying a bride-price and believes that women should have the option to marry who they love. Lakunle does not view women as property and is in favor of their rights. However, at the end of the play, it is revealed that Lakunle's ideas are insincere, and he only wishes to avoid paying the bride-price because he cannot afford it. In contrast, Baroka supports the tradition of buying a wife and treating women like they are possessions. He lacks respect for females and manipulates them throughout the play by continually lying and deceiving them. Baroka views women as sexual objects whose only use is satisfying his desires. He does not believe that they should have educational and economic opportunities like Lakunle initially promotes. However, both characters view women as less intelligent than men and ridicule them throughout the play. Overall, Soyinka portrays both men as shallow, selfish individuals who have less than favorable views towards women and their roles in society.

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