This question is based on Wole Soyinka's The Lion and the Jewel. .....Aha! Here comes Sadiku Do you bring some balm To soothe the smart of my misused armpit Away, your enemy!' What is the nature of the balm referred to by the speaker?

Question 115 of 327

This question is based on Wole Soyinka's The Lion and the Jewel.

.....Aha! Here comes Sadiku
Do you bring some balm
To soothe the smart of my misused armpit
Away, your enemy!'
What is the nature of the balm referred to by the speaker?

A. An antiseptic ointment
B. A special method of massage
C. News about Sidi
D. A gourd of palm wine

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

The correct option for the nature of the balm referred to by the speaker in Wole Soyinka's "The Lion and the Jewel" is C. News about Sidi. Explanation of the Correct Answer

Contextual Understanding: In the excerpt, the speaker is addressing Sadiku, who is a character in the play. The phrase "Do you bring some balm to soothe the smart of my misused armpit" suggests that the speaker is in need of relief or comfort. The term "balm" is often associated with something that provides healing or alleviation of pain.
Symbolic Interpretation: In literature, "balm" can symbolize emotional or psychological relief rather than a physical remedy. In this context, the speaker is likely referring to news about Sidi, a central character in the play. Sidi represents beauty and desire, and news about her would be significant to the speaker, potentially providing emotional comfort or excitement.
Character Dynamics: The relationship between the speaker and Sidi is crucial. The speaker's reference to "misused armpit" can be interpreted as a metaphor for his feelings of inadequacy or jealousy, particularly in relation to Sidi's beauty and the attention she receives. Thus, the "balm" in this case is not a physical ointment but rather the emotional relief that comes from hearing about Sidi, who is a source of fascination and desire.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

A. An antiseptic ointment: This option suggests a physical remedy for a wound or irritation. While "balm" can refer to a soothing ointment, in the context of the play, it is more metaphorical. The speaker is not literally asking for a physical balm but rather for something that can alleviate his emotional discomfort.
B. A special method of massage: Similar to option A, this implies a physical action that provides relief. However, the context of the dialogue indicates that the speaker is looking for news or information that would provide emotional solace rather than a physical treatment.
D. A gourd of palm wine: While palm wine is often associated with celebration and social gatherings, it does not fit the context of the speaker's need for relief from emotional pain. The reference to "balm" is more aligned with the idea of receiving news that could uplift or comfort him, rather than a drink.

Summary of Key Points

The "balm" in the excerpt symbolizes emotional relief, specifically related to news about Sidi.
The speaker's reference to "misused armpit" suggests feelings of inadequacy or jealousy, making the news about Sidi significant.
The other options (antiseptic ointment, massage, palm wine) imply physical remedies, which do not align with the metaphorical use of "balm" in this context.

Revision Summary

The correct answer is C. News about Sidi.
"Balm" symbolizes emotional relief rather than a physical remedy.
The speaker's feelings of inadequacy are central to understanding the metaphor.
Other options focus on physical remedies, which do not fit the context of the dialogue.