Question

Difficulty: MediumTextual Analysis of Prescribed African Drama

In Ola Rotimi's prescribed African drama *The Gods Are Not to Blame*, match each character on the left with their corresponding dramatic role or key action on the right.

  • OdewaleThe hot-tempered monarch whose hasty actions lead to the unwitting fulfillment of a horrific destiny.
  • Baba FakunleThe venerable blind seer who identifies the king himself as the murderer causing the plague in Kutuje.
  • AderopoThe royal prince sent to the Oracle at Ile-Ife to inquire about the cause of the afflictions in the land.
  • AlakaThe friend from Ede whose arrival and news of Ogundele's death unintentionally expose Odewale's true origin.

Answer

Odewale matches with the hot-tempered monarch whose hasty actions lead to the unwitting fulfillment of a horrific destiny; Baba Fakunle matches with the venerable blind seer who identifies the king himself as the murderer; Aderopo matches with the royal prince sent to the Oracle at Ile-Ife; Alaka matches with the friend from Ede whose arrival unintentionally exposes Odewale's true origin.
Each character plays a distinct structural role in Ola Rotimi's *The Gods Are Not to Blame*. Odewale's quick temper drives his tragic downfall; Baba Fakunle is the blind seer who points out the regicide; Aderopo acts as the emissary to the Ife oracle; and Alaka is the visitor from Ede whose arrival unravels the mystery of Odewale's birth.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the dramatic role of Odewale in the play.
Identify Odewale as the protagonist of Kutuje who unknowingly killed his father and married his mother due to his hasty temper.
Establishing the central protagonist connects him directly to his tragic flaw and destiny.
2
Analyze the dramatic function of Baba Fakunle.
Identify Baba Fakunle as the blind seer summoned to expose the cursed murderer in Kutuje.
Baba Fakunle serves as the prophet of truth, triggering Odewale's paranoia and investigation.
3
Analyze the actions of Aderopo and Alaka.
Connect Aderopo to his journey to the Ife oracle and Alaka to his arrival from Ede bearing news about Ogundele.
Aderopo initiates the search for the cause of the plague, while Alaka inadvertently completes the revelation of Odewale's identity.

Key Concept

Character Roles and Dramatic Functions in Prescribed African Drama
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