The Lion and the Jewel

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Why Does Sidi Marry Baroka at the End of the Play The Lion and the Jewel?

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Why does Sidi marry Baroka at the end of the play “The Lion and the Jewel”? 

In Soyinka’s “The Lion and the Jewel” (1959), Baroka (the village bale/chief) wants to marry Sidi. Sidi is the most beautiful and famous girl in the village of Ilujinle—especially as her photograph is published in a magazine. So, Baroka wants to add Sidi to his harem of wives. At first, Sidi does not want to marry the old chief. However, she agrees in the end, because she was tricked and raped by Baroka.

Sidi Pride and Baroka’s Trick: At first, Sidi does not want to marry Baroka. She is proud of her beauty. She thinks herself more important than the village bale. Sidi says:

“I am greater than ... the living god among men.”

Baroka tricks Sidi. He starts by spreading a lie. He spread the false news that he
has lost his “manhood” (sexual ability). Hearing this, Sidi wants to shame him. She thinks Baroka is harmless and visits his harem to mock him. In reality, this is Baroka’s trap—he knew this would happen. When Sidi visits, Baroka takes advantage. He praises her beauty and makes her feel special. When Sidi seems impressed, Baroka jumps in and rapes (physically seduces) her.

Why Sidi Agree: Sidi agrees to marry Baroka for a couple of reasons. First, she is trapped. In her culture, a woman’s purity is very important. Once she is raped, no one will marry her or pay her bride price. She will become a laughing object in the village. So, she agrees to marry Baroka to have a life of respect.

Second, Sidi thinks Baroka is a wise, strong, and powerful man. She believes Baroka is better than the local schoolteacher Lakunle—who wants to marry Sidi without paying the bride price. Sidi rejects Lakunle asking:

“Would I choose a watered-down,

A beardless version of unripened man?”

Sidi sees Lakunle as weak and foolish. So, she chooses Baroka as a better man: wise, strong, and powerful. 

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Wole Soyinka
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from The Lion and the Jewel