Analysis of Life-based Play Death and The King's Horseman

Introduction

The play "Death and the King's Horseman" by Wole Soyinka is based on a real incident that took place in Nigeria during British colonial rule. A Horseman of a Yoruba King was prevented from committing ritual suicide by the colonial authorities. In addition to British interference, Soyinka questions the Horseman's own fervor for suicide, posing a dilemma that disrupts the community's balance.

Analysis of Life-Based Play: Death and The King's Horseman

Through Soyinka's play, I will attempt to analyze the Rasa theory. By means and use of images and suggestions, the play creates a flavor of unboundedness and bliss. The image of a "Not I" bird, which appears early in the play and is elaborated upon by Elesin to the Praise Singer, invokes a Karuna Rasa. The bird symbolizes death and separation from loved ones, which becomes Elesin's fate as he is supposed to embrace death due to the village's age-old tradition.

The Horseman Elesin is a man full of love and zeal who believes in the celebration of life and desires to marry a girl he loves. This image arouses Sringara Rasa in the readers, where the love for life is tremendous and is expressed through anubhavas or bodily movements, as in a dance. Unfortunately, this happy Rasa is accompanied by pathos or Karuna Rasa as Elesin must give up his life and embrace death.

The very thought of death invokes fear in the hearts of people around Elesin, an appropriate example of Bhayanaka Rasa. The fear of death is so strong that people even avoid talking about it. On the other hand, Elesin is brave enough to face death alone, exemplifying Veer Rasa, which is presented in people of valor. This act of dying in the name of honor is a clear example of Veer Rasa, where honor holds a higher stature compared to death.

All the incidents and quotations in the play primarily invoke Karuna Rasa as Elesin must face death despite his zest for life. Another Rasa that emerges is Bibhatsa, which arises from emotions triggered by something unpleasant and undesired. This Rasa is invoked in the readers and characters around Elesin due to his lust for women even as he stands on the threshold of death. Elesin's desire for a young betrothed woman arouses Bibhatsa Rasa.

A striking example of Bibhatsa Rasa is noticed by Elesin in the eyes of his son Olunde when he fails to die according to traditional ritual. This moment highlights the tension between cultural expectations and personal desires, enriching the thematic depth of the play.

Conclusion

Despite the tragic end of the play, Soyinka focuses on the new life yet to come in the world, symbolized by the unborn child carried by the young bride. The "Natyashastra" is all about the celebration of life, and so is the pattern of the play's conclusion. The pain and sorrow experienced by the audience towards the destiny of the scapegoat majorly invoke Karuna Rasa. Soyinka's plays are considered social plays with a vision, offering a profound commentary on the complexities of cultural identity and colonial influence.

References:

• Soyinka, W. (1975). Death and the King's Horseman. New York: Norton.
• Raghavan, V. (1967). The Rasa Theory. Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, 25(3), 395-407.