The Clash of Cultures in Death and the King's Horseman

While Wole Soyinka claims that his play Death and the King’s Horseman was not intended to explore a “clash of cultures,” it is difficult to experience the work without picking up on the blatant ignorance seen throughout the play. The Pilkings, a wealthy, white British couple living in Nigeria, have good intentions for the most part, but their disrespect towards the local Nigerians and their culture is at times painful to watch. Simon Pilkings sets out to prevent Elesin’s ritual suicide at all costs. He never stops to consider what this ritual symbolizes for the Yoruba culture and faith. Audiences also find out Simon helped Elesin’s son get into medical school in England. Olunde’s leaving creates a great rift between him and his father. During a local ball for the wealthy British living in the town, the Pilkings wear "costumes" confiscated from local men practicing a cultural tradition.One of the local policemen who works for Simon finds the use of the attire highly offensive. Simon is completely unaware of the offensiveness until his wife points it out to him. The Pilkings are a classic example of the issues surrounding colonization and the continual westernization of the world. Westerners believe that what they view as a prosperous and successful country is the best scenario for every other country. Too frequently, the rich cultures of these “developing” countries are eradicated with the influx of western culture. In an increasing global economy, various cultures are bound to interact and mix, but it is crucial that we learn to form relationships with these areas without forcing are own thoughts and beliefs on them. The play is set during World War II, yet the meaning is still relevant today. The Pilkings firmly believe they are doing what is best for the people of their town, yet they only disregard the local culture, upset an ancient tradition, pull a family a part, and take part in quite obvious cultural appropriation. With this all said, they still believe that their actions are pure and just. While colonization seems like something that now only exists in history lessons, modern colonization still exists. Whether Soyinka intended to or not, Death and the King’s Horseman can be viewed and analyzed as a commentary on neocolonialism and its implications.