Answer:
The Praise-Singer questions Elesin-Oba's resolve to fulfill his duty as the king's horseman.
Step-by-step explanation:
The line "Elesin-Oba why do your eyes roll like a bush-rat who sees his fate like his father's spirit, mirrored in the eyes of a snake? All of these questions?" is a powerful and evoca tive passage from Wole Soyinka's play "De ath and the King's Horseman."
It is spoken by the Praise-Singer, a traditional Yoruba figure who is responsible for praising the king and his family.
In this instance, the Praise-Singer is addressing Elesin-Oba, the king's horseman, who is preparing to commit ritual sui cide in order to accompany his deceased king into the afterlife.
The Praise-Singer's words are a mix of observation, accusation, and concern.
He is observing Elesin-Oba's behavior, noting that his eyes are rolling like a bush-rat who sees his fate.
This suggests that Elesin-Oba is afraid of what lies ahead, that he is not sure whether he is prepared to di e.
The Praise-Singer is also accusing Elesin-Oba of questioning his fate.
He suggests that Elesin-Oba is seeing his father's spirit in the eyes of a snake, that he is doubting the tradition of the king's horseman.
This is a serious accusation, as it suggests that Elesin-Oba may not be committed to his duty.
Finally, the Praise-Singer is expressing concern for Elesin-Oba.
He is asking him "All of these questions?" in a tone of disbelief, as if he cannot believe that Elesin-Oba is questioning his fate at such a late hour.
The Praise-Singer's words are a reflection of the anx iety that is felt by many of the characters in the play as they grapple with the meaning of tradition and the demands of modernity.
Elesin-Oba's questions about his fate are a thr eat to the stability of the community, and the Praise-Singer is trying to remind him of his duty.
Thus, the Praise-Singer's words question Elesin-Oba's resolve to fulfill his duty as the king's horseman.