<P> The Lion and the Jewel is a play by Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka that was first performed in 1959 . It chronicles how Baroka, the lion, fights with the modern Lakunle over the right to marry Sidi, the titular Jewel . Lakunle is portrayed as the civilized antithesis of Baroka and unilaterally attempts to modernize his community and change its social conventions for no reason other than the fact that he can . The transcript of the play was first published in 1962 by Oxford University Press . Soyinka emphasises the theme of the corrupted African culture through the play, as well as how the youth should embrace the original African culture . </P> <Ul> <Li> Baroka--The Balè or viceroyal chieftain of Ilujinle, a Yoruba village in the realm of the Ibadan clan's kingdom . A crafty individual, he is the Lion referred to in the title . At 62 years of age, he has already sired 63 children thanks to polygamy . </Li> <Li> Lakunle--The progressive and absurdly arrogant Westernised teacher . He is in his twenties . He appears to only be semi literate . </Li> <Li> Sidi--A beautiful yet somewhat egotistical village girl who is wooed by both Baroka and Lakunle . She is also the village belle . She is the titular Jewel . </Li> <Li> Sadiku--The chief's sly great wife, chieftess of his harem . </Li> <Li> Ailatu--Baroka's favourite, who loses her place in his affections due to her jealousy . </Li> </Ul>

Themes in wole soyinka the lion and the jewel