Death And The Kings Horseman

In Wole Soyinkas’s Death and The Kings Horseman, District Officer Pilkings is ignorant in his acceptance of the Yoruba traditional values and mannerisms. He demonstrates this throughout the play, as his actions are catalyzed by insensitivity, ignorance, and an overall difficulty of accepting native Yoruba culture. Consequentially, Pilkings prevents Elesin from committing ritual suicide, and in his mind believes his actions are justified. His rationale is dictated by (1) his lack of respect for religion and/or beliefs foreign to him, (2) his failure to understand the cultural differences between Nigerian and British colonials, and (3) his inability to acknowledge Yoruba spiritual beliefs. When Officer Pilkings is introduced into the play, both him and his wife are dressed in native death costumes and masks highly respected by the people of Yoruba. To Pilkings, the costumes are simply what will win the couple prize and attention at the country club. However, when native Sergeant Amusa is brought in front of the two, he is stunned and unable to speak, as the costumes of course frighten him. “Oh Amusa, what a let down you are.” I swear by you at the club you know – thank God for Amusa, he doesn’t believe in any mumbo-jumbo. And now look at you!” (Soyinka, 19). This demonstrates Pilkings’ lack of respect for death and tribal superstition, as

“I don’t have to stop anything. If they want to throw themselves off the top of a cliff or poison themselves for the sake of some barbaric custom what is that to me?” His failure to acknowledge the meaning behind sacrifice in Yoruba religion is also very hypocritical- as Christ in that of his own religion sacrificed himself! It is easier to have tunnel vision in the midst of a changing and growing society, than to address every obstacle with an open eye- Officer Pilkings’s actions serve as a prime