Yoruba Tradition and Culture in Wole Soyinka’s “the Lion and the Jewel”

Wole Soyinka is a renowned Nigerian dramatist, who was awarded Nobel Prize in 1986, for his accomplishment in the field of literature. He is a prolific writer and versatile genius of Africa. His works are based on society, culture, tradition and politics of Africa. The dramatic environment that Soyinka creates has been enriched with variegated realistic scenes portraying African life very exactly and fashions and characters holding a mirror up to nature and presenting life as it is. The traditions and customs of Yoruba are typically presented in the play. Some of the customs like, bride-price, polygamy, wife wooing girls for her husband, are emphasised much and challenged these outdated customs and traditions. Apart from that, the playwright sheds light on some of the indigenous customs like, marriage, songs, dance, mimes, etc. Songs, dance and mimes are the major components in the play. Soyinka has made use of these elements to forward the action of the play. Through the play, playwright brings out the native tradition, livelihood of the people, politics, moreover, role of women is emphasised much.