How has Soyinka crafted Scene 2 in comparison to Scene 1 in Death and the King's Horseman?
by Olivia
In scene 2 of Death and the King's Horseman the style of dialogue is far more westernised than in Scene 1. It is also more straight-forward, with no proverbs and the language means what it says whereas the meaning of scene 1 is more difficult to decipher. Scene 2 contains more conversational dialogue, with very literal language, which could make it appear bland in comparison.
The settings of the two scenes are very different. While scene 1 is set in a very open and public market place, scene 2 is set in the much more private setting of the Pilkings' home. There is more attention put on the props and physical aspects on stage, which draw the audience's attention to the more modern and affluent lifestyle displayed by the colonials.
The pace of the scene is faster in scene 2, despite the argumentative circle that the characters end up in. This conveys a sense of urgency, whereas scene 1 is more relaxed, with emphasis placed on songs and poetry.
The use of music is apparent in both scenes, but contrasting. Scene 1 has a more traditionally tribal sound, with persistent drumming continuing throughout the scene. In scene two the tango music choice shows a much more European, or South American, influence. Jane Pilking complains about the noise of the drumming, showing the cultural differences between the two scenes.
By placing this two scenes alongside each other the cultural differences are emphasised, through the clashing beliefs and linguistic styles. The comparison between the two scenes adds emphasis to how the colonialists attempted to enforce English culture in Nigeria.
In scene 2 of Death and the King's Horseman the style of dialogue is far more westernised than in Scene 1. It is also more straight-forward, with no proverbs and the language means what it says whereas the meaning of scene 1 is more difficult to decipher. Scene 2 contains more conversational dialogue, with very literal language, which could make it appear bland in comparison.
The settings of the two scenes are very different. While scene 1 is set in a very open and public market place, scene 2 is set in the much more private setting of the Pilkings' home. There is more attention put on the props and physical aspects on stage, which draw the audience's attention to the more modern and affluent lifestyle displayed by the colonials.
The pace of the scene is faster in scene 2, despite the argumentative circle that the characters end up in. This conveys a sense of urgency, whereas scene 1 is more relaxed, with emphasis placed on songs and poetry.
The use of music is apparent in both scenes, but contrasting. Scene 1 has a more traditionally tribal sound, with persistent drumming continuing throughout the scene. In scene two the tango music choice shows a much more European, or South American, influence. Jane Pilking complains about the noise of the drumming, showing the cultural differences between the two scenes.
By placing this two scenes alongside each other the cultural differences are emphasised, through the clashing beliefs and linguistic styles. The comparison between the two scenes adds emphasis to how the colonialists attempted to enforce English culture in Nigeria.
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