can not make any decision The best example of submissiveness is Sadiku Baroka's first wife Baroka wants to marry Sidi In that case Sadiku herself sent this proposal to Sidi She tries to convince her by saying It is a rich life Sidi This line also suggests that women in that society are financially insecure and dependent on men As a submissive wife Sadiku has no objection regarding his husband s other marriage Polygamy The dramatist has vividly sketched the polygamous tradition of African society Though he wants reform of polygamy he is simultaneously uncertain and a supporter of this tradition He creates a Sadiku-like submissive character in the play Sadiku talks sweetly and convinces Sidi to marry Baroka She says- Will you be his sweetest princes soothing him on weary nights Sadiku the Voice of Experience Sadiku Baroka's senior wife offers a contrasting perspective on womanhood She embodies wisdom and experience having lived through the changing tides of societal norms Sadiku understands the power dynamics between men and women and uses her influence to guide the complexities of village politics Her character illustrates the significance of women's wisdom and solidarity in challenging oppressive systems Witless Women are also shown as unintelligent They have less intelligence than men Sidi argues with Lakunle when he tells her that women possess smaller brains than men He says that they are called the weaker sex Lakunle s remark to Sidi as a woman you have a smaller brain than mine is another witless example of Sadiku's characteristics She does not find Baroka's fault for having illicit sexual intimacy with Sidi To her it is quite a normal issue Slaves of Men Women are considered men's servants in this play They are inherently meant to serve men They have no choices The only goal of their lives is to serve their men Baroka treats his wives like slaves He orders one of his wives to pluck out his armpit hair It gives us a clear vision of women's position in that society Old Fashioned Sidi is a modern girl with traditional thoughts Lakunle dislikes the bride price ritual He offers Sidi to marry him without a bride price But Sidi is a traditional girl She does not agree with Lakunle She thinks marrying without a bride price would reduce her value That's why she rejects his proposal After getting trapped by Baroka she is still prepared to marry him because Baroka promised to give the bride price Sidi says They will say I was no virgin that I was forced to sell my shame and marry you without price Thus Sidi's decision to marry Baroka secures a long-term win for tradition in African society In The Lion and the Jewel Wole Soyinka portrays women as multifaceted individuals capable of challenging traditional norms and shaping their destinies Through characters like Sidi and Sadiku Soyinka highlights women's strength independence and wisdom by providing a nuanced portrayal of their roles in a changing society The play serves as a testament to the stability and agency of women It encourages the audience to question and challenge societal expectations placed upon them