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27 pages 54 minutes read

Wole Soyinka

The Lion and the Jewel

Wole SoyinkaFiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1962

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Book Brief

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Wole Soyinka

The Lion and the Jewel

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1962
Book Details
Pages

65

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Nigeria • 1960s

Publication Year

1962

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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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.

Humorous

Romantic

Playful

Reviews & Readership

4.1

1,904 ratings

63%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.1

1,904 ratings

63%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

65

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Nigeria • 1960s

Publication Year

1962

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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