There are many reasons as to why Baroka is portrayed as being smarter than Lakunle. Although Lakunle is the village school teacher who is a proponent of modernization, he comes across as clumsy and shallow throughout the play. Lakunle tries to sound smart by using "big words," but is viewed throughout the village as a confused madman. Lakunle chooses to criticize the entire culture of Ilujinle, rather than make minor suggestions and speak about the...
There are many reasons as to why Baroka is portrayed as being smarter than Lakunle. Although Lakunle is the village school teacher who is a proponent of modernization, he comes across as clumsy and shallow throughout the play. Lakunle tries to sound smart by using "big words," but is viewed throughout the village as a confused madman. Lakunle chooses to criticize the entire culture of Ilujinle, rather than make minor suggestions and speak about the traditional customs in a positive manner without offending everyone. Lakunle also fails at wooing Sidi, and foolishly believes that she is about to marry him at the end of the play. In comparison, Baroka is the wise Bale of the village who is esteemed throughout Ilujinle. He is much older than Lakunle, and his life experience is one reason he is portrayed as being smarter. Baroka successfully saves his village by bribing the surveyor and also brings recognition to Ilujinle by openly accepting the foreign photographer. Baroka also exercises his wit in his elaborate plan to sleep with Sidi. His plan works to perfection, unlike Lakunle's stubborn petition to marry her. While Baroka is speaking to Sidi in his palace, he mentions that he does not oppose progress, but realizes its negative effects on the traditional culture and enviorment. Baroka also alludes to Christian doctrine and speaks in metaphors which display his intelligence. His entire character and the way he uses his intellect to get what he wants throughout life is the reason why Baroka is viewed as more intelligent than Lakunle.
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