Sidi is keen on having her bride-price paid because she mentions to Lakunle that she will be the laughing-stock of the village if it is not paid in full. Sidi tells Lakunle, "Well, do as you please. But Sidi will not make herself a cheap bowl for the village spit" (Soyinka 7). Lakunle says to Sidi that he will take the villagers' scorn, but Sidi believes that the villagers will continue to spread rumors that she was not a virgin and was forced to sell her shame. Sidi is obviously worried about her reputation in the community, and Lakunle is not concerned about Sidi's feelings. Lakunle detests traditional tribal practices, such as paying the bride-price, and refers to it as a "savage custom." He values Western civilization and modern concepts of marriage and love. His initial rebuttals make sense, and it seems like he truly believes that paying the bride-price is uncivilized and will negatively affect their relationship. Later on in the play, when Lakunle finds out that Sidi has lost her virginity, he is excited because he has a rational excuse not to pay the bride-price. The audience finds out Lakunle's true intentions, which were simply to avoid paying the bride-price because of the cost. Lakunle is rather shallow and propagates Western culture as a means to hide his true intentions.
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