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The Statue of Baroka
Postage stamps, specifically the ones that Baroka plans to print featuring Sidi's photograph, are symbolic of the most effective way (at least in Soyinka’s opinion) for Africa to modernize. Unlike railways or unions, which Baroka sees being forced on him, stamps and the development of a postal system represent a way to embrace progress and modernity without completely upending or forsaking Ilujinle's current way of life. Stamps are a modern, Western invention, but they're also something that Baroka can use on his own terms. They will allow him to dictate how, when, and how much Ilujinle progresses.
Postage Stamps Quotes in The Lion and the Jewel
The The Lion and the Jewel quotes below all refer to the symbol of Postage Stamps. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
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Quotes
I do not hate progress, only its nature
Which makes all roofs and faces look the same.
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The old must flow into the new, Sidi,
Not blind itself or stand foolishly
Apart. A girl like you must inherit
Miracles which age alone reveals.
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Postage Stamps Symbol Timeline in The Lion and the Jewel
The timeline below shows where the symbol Postage Stamps appears in The Lion and the Jewel. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
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Baroka hands Sidi the envelope and asks Sidi if she knows what the stamp is. Sidi says she does and shares that Lakunle gets letters from Lagos with stamps....
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...the machine doesn't work yet, but when it's fixed, it will allow him to print stamps for Ilujinle. Sidi is in awe. Baroka asks her what she thinks of the image...
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...Ilujinle. He paces the length of the room and explains that they'll start with making stamps for the village only. Turning to Sidi, Baroka says that people invent all sorts of...
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...thoughts fit together perfectly. He says their first "union" will come when they make the stamp with her face on it, and he will worship Sidi's beauty. He asks Sidi if...
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