Reviews

Death and the King's Horseman: A Play by Wole Soyinka

debbie_likes_to_read_books's review against another edition

2.0

Okay, so I read this play for school and it was pretty confusing and I had to re-read scenes because of the large use of language. Honestly, we knew Elesin was going to die but at the same time, there he was, and that ending had me shocked which is why it's a 2-star rating. I was originally going to give it a 1 star, 1.5, but I am going to give it 2 stars. Yes, the language is poetic and sophisticated so its hard to understand (riddles as to how pickling would say). The plot was kind of confusing and I wouldn't have purchased let alone read this if it wasn't for a class I am taking. I can't wait to see this performed though and hopefully, once I see it I will understand it a bit more. I am also looking forward to my class seminar to discuss the play and see if I can understand this play more.

etiennevdgraaf's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

joaosilva's review against another edition

medium-paced

2.5

kananineko's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

zoebird81's review against another edition

3.0

"You have mastered the art of calling things by names which don't remotely describe them."

Liked this more than I expected- an African, Antigone-esque tragedy that draws heavily from the classics—Sophocles, most obviously.

A textbook on White savior-ism in a way that feels incredibly productive; it does not scorn or condemn but, rather, provokes and questions. Soyinka claims he wrote DatKH to stimulate conversation between racial groups and further (if not heal, entirely) post-Colonial relations. I'd call this a success.

There are incredibly sympathetic characters here, and a brilliant avoidance of "sides". It is a church vs. state tale, yes, but don't assume you know where certain characters stand—they might surprise you. Tragedy, here, is a sinking ship caught in a whirlpool of desire to commiserate; but it cannot overcome waves of ignorance. Everyone is trying- it isn't enough.

"I don't understand that at all. I feel a need to understand all I can." <3

cam_cates's review against another edition

challenging fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

fmrc123's review against another edition

5.0

Another play read for my uni module!
The dialogue and symbolism in this play is so beautiful, I had chills reading Act 5!
Overall, a very moving play, would love to watch this performed onstage.

marinatedpenguin's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

haleekirby's review against another edition

challenging dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

sirfrankiecrisp's review against another edition

A metaphysical delight