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What insult does Lakunle direct at Sidi in "The Lion and the Jewel"?
Quick answer:
In "The Lion and the Jewel," Lakunle insults Sidi by calling her an "uncivilized and primitive—bush-girl." This occurs during a conversation where Lakunle tries to persuade Sidi to marry him without a bride-price, which he dismisses as a "savage custom." Sidi rejects his modern ideas and insists on maintaining traditional practices, leading to Lakunle's derogatory remark.
Early on in the play, Lakunle is having a conversation with Sidi and attempting to convince her to marry him. Sidi is reluctant and insists that Lakunle pay the bride-price like all men in the village are required to do. Lakunle tells Sidi that he thinks paying the bride-price is nonsense and calls the tradition a "savage custom." Lakunle tries to explain to Sidi that he wishes to marry her because he seeks a life partner and not because of her abilities to cook, clean, and fetch water. Sidi is resolute and maintains that she will not marry Lakunle unless he pays the bride-price. Lakunle offers her an opportunity to become a "modern wife," and gives her a kiss. Sidi backs away and tells Lakunle that the way he licks her lips is an unhealthy, unclean custom. Lakunle then insults Sidi by calling her a "bush-girl," an "uncivilized and primitive---bush-girl!" (Soyinka 9).
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