For the Yoruba characters in Death and the King's Horseman, being willing and able to confront death—particularly when it's your duty to do so, as in Elesin's case—is kind of a big badge of honor. However, by contrast, the British administrators in the region operate under the principle that death is something to be feared and prevented, so they end up thinking that their duty is to stop Elesin from doing his. Yup: The two communities' very different principles around death end up directly at odds—and they never manage to come together, either.
Questions About Principles
- How does the play present the two different notions of duty—that is, the British and Yoruban ones—differently? How about similarly?
- Do you think it's fair that Elesin's community is so hard on him for having failed in his duty? Why or why not?
- How do you think Olunde's sense of duty to his family and community has evolved since he left for England and returned? Is his sense of duty toward his family ultimately portrayed as admirable and heroic, or tragic?
Chew on This
The Yoruban sense of duty and honor is portrayed as more heroic than the British one; the former would have resulted in glory for Elesin, whereas the latter leads to tragedy and unnecessary death.
Olunde's revived sense of duty toward his community and family, even after pursuing education in England, is the one truly honorable thing that happens in the play.