The Lion and The Jewel main character Sidi sitting in the middle of the picture wearing a striped dress with the outlines of two male faces on other side of her

The Lion and the Jewel

by Wole Soyinka

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Student Question

What happens the morning after Sidi's visit to Baroka's palace in Wole Soyinka's The Lion and the Jewel?

Quick answer:

The morning after Sidi's visit to Baroka's palace, Sidi is distraught and pushes away Lakunle's and Sadiku's attempts to console her. She reveals that Baroka tricked her about his impotence and took her virginity. Lakunle is shocked and initially laments over the bride-price but still considers marriage. However, Sidi ultimately decides to marry Baroka, mocking Lakunle's lack of masculinity, leading to Lakunle's bewilderment.

Expert Answers

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In the morning following Sidi's visit to Baroka's palace, Lakunle is cursing at Sadiku for sharing the Bale's secret, when Sidi runs onto the stage and throws herself on the ground. Sadiku asks her what is wrong, and Sidi pushes her away. Lakunle then attempts to console Sidi, but Sidi also pushes him away. Lakunle immediately thinks that Baroka physically assaulted Sidi and swears to kill the Bale. Sidi calls him a fool and tells both Lakunle and Sadiku that Baroka lied. Sidi says that Baroka lied about being impotent and gloated about his cunning trick after he had taken her virginity. Sidi then admits that she hates Baroka and wishes to kill him. Lakunle and Sadiku both want to know if Sidi is still a "maid," and Sidi shakes her head. Lakunle is shocked, but Sadiku is rather optimistic and tells Sidi to cheer up. Lakunle initially laments before mentioning that he shouldn't have to pay the bride-price now that Sidi has lost her virginity. Sidi seems rather surprised that Lakunle still considers marrying her, then runs off of the stage. Sadiku then tells Lakunle that Sidi is packing her things and preparing to get married. Lakunle goes crazy because he didn't expect Sidi to be ready to marry immediately. Amusingly, Lakunle misinterprets Sidi's actions and Sidi ends up marrying Baroka, but only after she mocks Lakunle for his lack of masculinity.

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