“In Scene III, the market girls’ mockery of Amusa captures a particular social, cultural, and colonial dynamic. Rarely, do female characters actively and openly participate in ridiculing colonialism, but in speaking with “an English accent” (40), the girls challenge colonialism in their society.
-I insist
- You’re most gracious.
-And how do you find the place?
-The natives are all right.
-Friendly??
-Tractable.
Through this interaction, Soyinka makes a case for female knowledge, empowerment, and agency. The mockery simultaneously depicts the girls’ ability to mirror European language as well as their choice to remain in sync with cultural customs and traditions. Furthermore, the switch in the rhythm and syntax indicates fluidity and mastery of two languages. For example, “Not for him. Who asked him here?” juxtaposed against “What’s your handicap old chap” reflects the ease and flexibility with which the girls speak. Ridiculing westerners, Western ideas about African women’s inferiority, the dangers of conformity, and the delicacy of knowledge, the girls emerge as active participants in society.
-Aminata Dumbuya ‘14
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