Death and the Kings Horseman Text Analysis
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Soyinka's play of Death and the King's Horseman addresses many issues of conflicting cultural views. These conflicting views create friction and tension between cultures. The cultural conflict in this story takes place between the Yoruba people and the British colonists. The source of conflict stems mostly from differing perception about the ideas of death. The story raises interesting ideas about why this conflict of culture exists. Through out this paper I will examine details of certain character's perceptions about the British culture and the Yoruba culture. By analyzing the characters in this way it can be shown that tensions exist between these people because of a lack of understanding each other's culture. But it is also shown that the conflict of ideas can be overcome when characters have an understanding of the differences between cultures or are at least willing to respect those differences.
Mr. Pilkings view on the native culture is illustrated in the second scene where Amusa enters and sees Mr...