The Lion And The Jewel Moral Lesson

1. INTRODUCTION

Literature texts such as “Romeo and Juliet”, “Things Fall Apart”, “Oliver Twist”, and “The Lion and the Jewel” prominently display youth and child characters. There are some life related lessons that may be learned from these texts in our modern times. I have decided to explore the major theme-based concerns as well as the political and social apprehensions which are evident in the lives of the characters I have focused on the most. A brief overview of each text will be provided followed by a paragraph focused on a specific character per specified text. From all these texts, I have derived that deviating from societally correct behaviour may bring about benefitting results.

2. DISCUSSION

2.1. Romeo and Juliet

The play is about two teenagers who fall in love despite the dispute that has been ongoing between their families. The suicidal deaths of this secretly married young couple brings their families to finally being at peace with each other.

Thematically, “death” occurs continually in the play and this is all due to the hatred which

Since the Jewel valued her customs, the theme of culture versus change becomes significant throughout the play and the culturally groomed Baroka ends up marrying Sidi. Politically so, Lakunle had the right to choose his life principles although his cultural deviation could not earn him the manhood which was valued by woman he wanted to marry and the social acceptance he would have as a man in his community. Much as Lakunle was educated yet did not want to pay the bride-price for Sidi, I believe Sidi benefitted from marrying Baroka in the end since Baroka agreed to pay the bride-price. It was undermining of Lakunle to want to have Sidi as a wife yet refusing to do what was culturally accepted since Sidi valued her