Death And The Kings Horseman: Giving Up The Battle Essay -- essays res

From the Western perspective, it is hard to understand ritual suicide as anything positive or facilitatory to the living. There almost seems to be no Western equivalent to the "duty" of Elesin in Death and the Kings Horseman. However, Wole Soyinka gives us a comparable situation in Janes verbal description of a captain blowing up a ship to save the people on the shore. Its a moment of hypocrisy on Britains part, both trying to oppose Elesins suicide and lauding a Western suicide which purports to do the exact same thing - save the living from destruction. Its also clear that Olunde sees this ridiculous parallel, but he does not make Jane see the connection. Instead, he lets the matter drop, which, in the Western perspective is puzzling. We want everyone to see the truth and explain it, and think worse of Olunde because of his inability to show Jane whats really going on. But it is really his own unique viewpoint and actions that show that what he does is much smarter than our want of brute force.Olundes intelligence stems from opinion before acting. Yes, Jane gives perfect ammunition to explain why his father saving his people from destruction and going to a much better place, but that doesnt wet the best solution is for him to point this out. Changing peoples opinions in discussion might be a Western virtue, but opening ones trap is not always the best strategic option. Olundes education and background combined give him a unique vantagepoint on action, and he...