Soyinka's The Lion and the Jewel shows a common post-colonial struggle between modernity and tradition, both seen transparently as the world Western clearly and gradually influences the play's Ilujinle village as well as a deeper way between two of its central characters: Lakunle represents modernity while Baroka represents tradition. However, although the fight is brought to fruition over the course of the play, it seems quite evident which side Soyinka himself is more of a major supporter of, obvious from the way he plays both Lakunle and Baroka, and how they conclude their roles in the play . Lakunle's follies in the play become his undoing, while Baroka's strength and power as the village's Bale wins Sidi's hand in marriage, finally proving that tradition is the last survivor in this battle royal. However, Soyinka seems to be blurring the lines a bit. more including Baroka's rape of Sidi. Although he believes that tradition is the best and most honorable way to overcome inhibited colonialism, he also understands that not all aspects of tradition are perfect. I saw the inclusion of this scene where a forced sexual encounter occurs as his acceptance that the traditions of all societies have their flaws as well as their strengths. However, all cultures have their own version of social norms, and as a “Westerner,” I accept that I do not know how Soyinka's views on the issues discussed in his work might differ from mine. Perhaps a meeting like the one between Baroka and Sidi might not seem as big of a deal to Soyinka as it does to me, and my reaction is simply an overreaction to a simpler idea. Another important idea to keep in mind is this. ..... middle of paper ...... At the same time, he admits that there are some things in their lore that could afford to be changed a little. Overall, however, Soyinka's attitude on the question of modernity versus tradition is that being one's own nation is far more important to their sense of identity as a nation than some paltry advantages that may arise from fully adapting the practices of the world western. Cited Gibbs, James and Bernth Lindfors. Research on Wole Soyinka. Trenton: Africa WorldPress, 1993. Soyinka, Wole. The lion and the jewel. 1959. Literature, human experience, reading and writing. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2006.Willis, Robert J. The Lion and the Jewel. Encyclopedia of Literary Characters, third revised edition. Salem Press, Inc. 1998. Literary Reference Center: EBSCOhost. February 20, 2011. http://search.epnet.com.