Wole Soyinka

About the Author

Soyinka grew up in British-ruled Nigeria. His family was relatively well off; his father was an Anglican minister and the headmaster of a religious school, which meant the family had access to electricity and radio at home. Soyinka studied in Nigeria at a college affiliated with the University of London and relocated to England after graduation, where he pursued an advanced degree at the University of Leeds. The Lion and the Jewel was his second play, and its success allowed him to move to London. Over the next ten years, Soyinka continued to write plays and edit literary periodicals both in England in Nigeria. In the '60s, Soyinka became involved with politics. He was arrested several times and kept in prison for two years, and one of his books was banned in Nigeria. Soyinka wrote Death and the King's Horseman in 1975 during a time of exile from Nigeria, and it's become one of his most famous works. He has been married three times and has five children.

LitCharts guides for works by Wole Soyinka

Explore LitCharts literature and poetry guides for works by Wole Soyinka. Each literature guide includes a full summary, detailed analysis, and helpful resources. Each poetry guide offers line-by-line analysis and exploration of poetic devices.

Death and the King’s Horseman

Near the end of the day, Elesin, the king's horseman, dances through the market. He's eager to reach the market and assures his praise-singer that he just wants to be in the market among the women... view guide

Telephone Conversation

"Telephone Conversation" is a 1963 poem by the Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka that satires racism. The poem describes a phone call between a landlady and the speaker, who is black, about renting an a... view guide

The Lion and the Jewel

The play begins as Sidi, the village belle of Ilujinle, enters the square with a pail of water balanced on her head. Lakunle, the western-educated schoolteacher, sees her, runs from his classroom,... view guide