Early on in the play, Lakunle is having a conversation with Sidi and attempting to convince her to marry him. Sidi is reluctant and insists that Lakunle pay the bride-price like all men in the village are required to do. Lakunle tells Sidi that he thinks paying the bride-price is nonsense and calls the tradition a "savage custom." Lakunle tries to explain to Sidi that he wishes to marry her because he seeks a life partner and not because of her abilities to cook, clean, and fetch water. Sidi is resolute and maintains that she will not marry Lakunle unless he pays the bride-price. Lakunle offers her an opportunity to become a "modern wife," and gives her a kiss. Sidi backs away and tells Lakunle that the way he licks her lips is an unhealthy, unclean custom. Lakunle then insults Sidi by calling her a "bush-girl," an "uncivilized and primitive---bush-girl!" (Soyinka 9).
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