In addition to being preoccupied with the twin notions of foreignness and otherness, Death and the King's Horseman makes a ton of references to race and prejudice. The clashes between the British and the Yoruba aren't just based on religion or even culture; there's lots of attention to skin color, and race seems pretty important to the way the characters relate to each other and how they are perceived by—and, in turn, perceive—others. With slavery lurking in the background, race—and racism—slinks through the pages.
Questions About Race
- In addition to emphasizing differences in culture and religion, the story highlights racial difference itself. Why is this? What does it add to the play? Is there any way in which you think it detracts? Use the text to support your argument.
- Elesin makes a lot of references to Simon's whiteness, calling him "ghostly one" and other similar names. What do you make of his emphasis on Simon's skin color? Why emphasize that over, say, Simon's complete lack of cultural awareness and sensitivity?
- What do you make of Joseph's explanation for why the egungun costumes can't affect Simon and Jane? What does it say about the way he understands cultural and religious differences?
- The Yoruban characters seem more preoccupied with race than the British characters. Why do you think this is?
Chew on This
The characters' consistent references to race are a way of reminding viewers and readers that power is not equal in this society, even if slavery is technically over.
Elesin and other Yoruba characters talk more about skin color because, unlike the British, they do not stand on the pretense that the "clash" between their two cultures is about anything other than skin color. As the oppressed, they don't benefit from trying to paint a prettier picture.