WOMEN. Nothing will hold you back? ELESIN. Nothing. I go to keep my friend and master
company. Soyinka, 1986: 14
c. Arrogant Being acknowledged as the man of honour, Elesin shows some arrogances
in several scenes of the play. IYALOJA. But you, husband of multitudes?
ELESIN. I, when that Not-I bird perched Upon my roof, bade him seek his nest again,
Safe, without care or fear. I unrolled My welcome mat for him to see. Not-I
Flew happily away, you’ll hear his voice No more in this lifetime
–You all know What I am.
Soyinka, 1986: 14 Elesin tells a story to the entourage about the Not-I bird which is a symbol
of death. The stories says that the Not-I bird came and visited several people in different places but they refused it. But when it came to Elesin, he unrolled his
“welcome mat for him to see”. He ends his story buy saying “you all know what I am” which shows a slight proud but also a sense of arrogance for he believes he is
different with other people. He did not run when the death came calling, instead he welcome it.
2. Iyaloja
Iyaloja is introduced in the story as the “Mother of the Market” which
refers to her being given an authority to organize the market and as the leader of the women in Yoruba. Having that position, she then has the power higher than
other women in the market. There are four characteristics she portrays in the play. a. Obedient
As the Mother of the Market appointed by the authorities, Iyaloja has duties to obey the laws, culture and the ruler of the kingdom. The obedient of Iyaloja is
proven in several scenes of the play. When Iyaloja and the women of the market asked Elesin about his readiness
to face death, Elesin got “bitterly offended” and strongly urge for the apology. Iyaloja got the message and ‘ask’ the other women to kneel and ask for
forgiveness. ELESIN. I am master of my fate
WOMEN. Nothing will hold you back? ELESIN. Nothing. What Has no one told you yet?...
I am bitterly offended IYALOJA Our unworthiness has betrayed us. All we can do is
ask your forgiveness. … She kneels, the other women follow
Soyinka, 1986: 14-16 The power of hierarchy, rank, in the society play a big role in Iyaloja’s act to
Elesin as her superior no matter the issue does make sense or not. The next scene that shows Iyaloja
’s obedience to the upper rank is shown by how she agreed to Elesin’s proposal to marry one of her “daughters” while in fact that girl is already
engaged to Iyalo ja’s own son.
ELESIN. … Iyaloja, who is she? IYALOJA. Has one step already in her husband’s home. She is
betrothed. ELESIN. Irritated
IYALOJA. … Today is your day… we know you for a man of honour..
I dare not refuse. Soyinka, 1986: 19-21
Iyaloja’s idea of obedience to her superior not merely exist there, but it is shaped from the background of the community, the kingdom whose culture is
upheld strongly and practiced in everyday life.
b. Traditional Due to her strong belief into the ancient faith that has become the core of the
culture, every action that Iyaloja took has been passing consideration concerning the faith itself. Lot of scenes when she has to make decisions, she will refer back
to the culture, the faith that people believe and then make the decision. The scenes including the part shown in letter a when she agreed to make the girl a bride for
Elesin is one example. IYALOJA. The matter is no longer in our hands.
… Only the curses of the departed are to be feared. … be sure the seed you leave in it attracts no curse.
Soyinka, 1986: 21 Iyaloja believes in the idea that if she does not follow what the culture tells
her to do, there might be something bad happened; a curse. In the scene when Elesin gave his forgiveness to Iyaloja and the women of the market, she was so
happy that nothing bad will happen concerning this issue. IYALOJA. Dancing round him. Sings.
He forgives us. He forgives us.
