The play Death and the King's Knight is based on an episode that actually happened in Nigeria when it was under British colonial rule, where a king's knight Yoruba colonial authorities prevented him from committing ritual suicide. Faced with British interference, Soyinka investigates the Knight's fervor towards suicide, posing a problem that upsets the balance of the community. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Through Soyinka's game I would try to analyze the Rasa theory. Through the means and use of images and suggestions that give the flavor of limitlessness and bliss. The image of a Not I bird which appears at the beginning of the opera and was elaborated by the singer Elesin to the Praise invokes a Karuna rasa as the bird symbolizes death and separation from near and dear ones, which has become the Elesin's faith that he should embrace death because of the ancient tradition followed in the village. Knight Elesin is a man full of love and zeal who believes in celebrating life and is in love with a girl whom he also wishes to marry. This image arouses Sringara rasa in the readers where the love of life is enormous, which is enacted by anubhava or bodily movements as in a dance. Unfortunately this happy rasa is accompanied by pathos or karuna rasa as Elesin has to give up her life and embrace death. The mere thought of death evokes fear in the hearts of the people around Elesin which can be seen as an apt example of Bhayanaka rasa. The fear of death is so strong in people that they even avoid talking about it. On the other hand Elesin is brave enough to stand alone and face death, which can also be considered as an example of Veer rasa which is presented in valiant people. This act of dying in the name of honor is surely a sufficient example of veer rasa where honor has a higher stature than death. All the incidents and quotes in the play mainly invoke Karuna rasa as Elesin has to accept death even in the face of joy of living. Another rasa that can be seen to be aroused is that of Bibhasta which can be said to be the result of the emotion aroused by something unpleasant and unwanted. This rasa is invoked in the readers or even the actors around Elesin and is caused by Elesin's lust towards women even when he is on the threshold of death. Elesin's desire for a young woman betrothed elicits bibhasta rasa. Another striking example of bibhasta rasa is noticed by Elesin in the eyes of her son Olunde when he does not die after the traditional ritual. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. Get a Custom Essay Despite the tragic end of the play, Soyinka focuses on the new life yet to come into the world in the form of the unborn child carried by the young bride. The Natyashastra is all about the celebration of life, as is the outline of the work's conclusion. The pain and sadness experienced by the audience towards the fate of the scapegoat primarily invokes Karuna rasa. Soyinka's works are said to be social works with a vision.