Themes: Vanity
At the beginning of the play, Sidi is established as a headstrong and beautiful young woman. Sidi appears confident from the start, but after observing herself from the point of view of an outsider to her village, her confidence transforms into conceit.
When Sidi sees her photographs in the outsider’s magazine, she becomes fixated on her appearance and her potential power as the jewel of Ilujinle. Sidi grows reckless, distracted by her deepening vanity and blinded by hubris. At first, Sidi tests her newfound superiority on Lakunle, but she is not satisfied by her emotional victory over the hapless schoolteacher; to prove herself as a powerful force, she seeks to dominate Baroka, the Bale of the village, after learning of his desire to marry her.
Sidi’s excessive pride becomes her downfall when she challenges Baroka and attempts to play a humiliating trick on him. When Sidi’s attempt to disrespect Baroka backfires, he teaches her a lesson by violent means, reinforcing to Sidi that her place in a traditionally patriarchal society is one of a submissive wife rather than an outspoken and opinionated young woman. Baroka rapes her as punishment for her transgression, and her decision to marry him afterward suggests that she accepts him as her superior.
Sadiku also becomes arrogant when Baroka lies to her about his impotence. Baroka flatters Sadiku, implying to her that she is the most important and respected of all his wives. Baroka’s craftiness gives Sadiku more confidence in her position as first wife. She becomes so self-assured in her role that she seeks to take advantage of her position and use the secret of Baroka’s allegedly lost manhood to mock him. Sadiku, like Sidi, is punished for her arrogance when her true nature is exposed; both women fall from elevated positions, learning by the end of the play that any attempt to outsmart the Bale will prove futile.
Expert Q&A
In The Lion and the Jewel, what evidence shows Sidi views her sexuality as a weapon and her virginity as a treasured commodity?
Sidi views her sexuality as a weapon and her virginity as a treasured commodity, as demonstrated by her excitement over her image in a magazine, which she equates to breaking hearts. She boasts about her beauty and uses it to enchant men, indicating her belief in its power. Additionally, Sidi initially rejects Baroka's marriage proposal due to her elevated self-worth and modern views, showcasing her belief in her virginity's value.
Lakunle's concern and disapproval of Sidi's dress in The Lion and the Jewel
Lakunle disapproves of Sidi's dress because he views it as immodest and inappropriate. He believes that her attire, which reflects traditional customs, is outdated and should be replaced with more modern, Western styles. His concern highlights the clash between tradition and modernity in the play.
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