In his play, Death and a King's Horseman, Wole Soyinka combines the Yoruba culture and a predominant western culture to express the clash between the two. In the Yoruban world, everything survives on ancient history and religion. The Yorubans beliefs are so strong that when Elesin was to follow his king to heaven, this was acceptable for the people to understand. From the Western perspective, it is hard for people to accept a ritual suicide as positive or helpful to the living.

Soyinka uses mystic elements to provide the reader with a sense of the African tradition. The religious traditions in Africa are to respect the king as ruler, so that the people would be protected of war, have organized politics and rather comfortable living conditions. With out a named king, the tribal members would fight over the succession of the king's position. This would cause ana

Most Canadians take the things they are offered for granted. No one can imagine the culture difference until they have experienced it them selves. Once a Canadian realized the isolation from civilization they would be ultimately grateful for what they have. If an African realized the freedom offered in Canada and experienced the difference they would never want to go back to Africa. Many Canadians take what they have for granted. When they are hungry they can make themselves a snack, when they are bored they can go to the library to read, when they are hot they turn up the air conditioning, and when they are cold they turn up the heat.

There are endless contrasts when comparing the two cultures. When the new successor arrives in Africa the shock would be drastic. Going from an uncivilized society to a civilized society back to an uncivilized society would be mentally and physically painful. Whether or not the new king believes in the legends of the tribal gods, he would have to change his views and beliefs in order to satisfy the people. Decisions toward war, peace and politics would be his obligation to make the appropriate choices. Should he make any erroneous decisions, the fear of being killed by another member to relieve him as king, is always on his mind.

The king's Canadian immigrated son is appointed to be the successor after he passes on. His son realizes what chaos the people would experience if he refuses to accept the role as king. The people would never forgive him and he would rather be dead than deal with the guilt. His son also realizes the sacrifices that go along with the role as king. He can no longer talk on the phone with his friends, walk to the store, listen to music, watch television, or sing songs. There would be scarcely any vehicles, with dirt potholed roads, and houses made from boards and canvas. His dreams

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Approximate Word count = 1261
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)