Literature-In-English Paper 3 WASSCE (SC), 2023

Question 4                  WOLE SOYINKA: The Lion and the Jewel
Show why Baroka opposes the construction of the railway.

This question was also popular. Candidates who attempted this question only gave a narration of the storyline.  
A good response should contain the following:

  • The theme of conflict between tradition and modernity.
  • Character identification of Baroka.
  • Constructing the railway line: it is presented as a flashback in the form of a mime. It is recounted by Lakunle. A white surveyor is seen with his map and examines it. A foreman, prisoners and two warders are at the site.
  • Stopping the project: Baroka hears of the project through one of his wrestlers. He goes to the site, accompanied by a beautiful girl holding a calabash bowl full of money and cola nuts. Baroka gives the surveyor lots of money, a coop of hens and a goat. The surveyor stops the project with the fabricated reason that the ground is unable to hold the weight of the rail engine. The surveyor drinks palm wine with Baroka, then packs up and leaves with his team.
  • Baroka’s reasons for opposing the construction of the railway line: he does not want civilization at his door. He foresees himself losing his traditional authority and bars the gates. He is more interested in securing fast, his dogs, horses, wives and concubines.
  • Lakunle’s opinions on the botched railway construction have merit; however, they seem exaggerated.

Candidates’ performance in this question was good.