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Difficulty: EasyTextual Analysis of Prescribed African Drama

In J. P. Clark's prescribed African drama *Song of a Goat*, match each character on the left with their corresponding dramatic action or tragic role on the right.

  • ZifaA proud fisherman suffering from impotence who strives to hide his affliction
  • OrukorereThe half-crazed aunt whose prophetic visions of disaster are dismissed by the family
  • TonyeThe younger brother who hangs himself in guilt after an illicit encounter with his brother's wife
  • The MasseurThe traditional healer who recommends that the family's line be continued through the husband's brother

Answer

Zifa corresponds to the proud fisherman suffering from impotence; Orukorere corresponds to the half-crazed aunt whose warnings are dismissed; Tonye corresponds to the younger brother who hangs himself after an affair with his brother's wife; and The Masseur corresponds to the traditional healer proposing brotherly intervention.
Each character in J. P. Clark's *Song of a Goat* fulfills a distinct role in the unfolding tragedy: Zifa is the central protagonist afflicted by impotence, Orukorere serves as the unheeded visionary aunt, Tonye is the conflicted younger brother driven to hanging, and The Masseur is the traditional healer recommending custom-sanctioned levirate intervention.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary predicament of Zifa in the play.
Zifa is a fisherman whose impotence creates severe marital and family strain.
His inability to father children drives Ebiere's desperation and the plot's central conflict.
2
Analyze Orukorere's role as a dramatic device.
Orukorere foretells disaster, such as a goat being swallowed by a leopard, but her cries are ignored.
Her character embodies the unheeded prophet archetype in classic African tragedy.
3
Trace Tonye's actions and ultimate fate.
Tonye engages in an affair with Ebiere and hangs himself when Zifa discovers the betrayal.
His remorse and fear of his brother lead directly to his self-destruction.
4
Examine The Masseur's advice at the opening of the drama.
The Masseur suggests that Tonye fulfill the husband's role to preserve the family line.
As a doctor following traditional custom, he views fertility and family continuation as paramount.

Key Concept

Character analysis and dramatic functions in J. P. Clark's *Song of a Goat*
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Textual Analysis of Prescribed African Drama

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