"Death and The Kings Horseman"

Response - different cultural thoughts about death: 

Death and the Kings Horseman is a play that begins with the kings horseman the Elesin who is choosing to die. It is a tradition that when the king dies, the kings helpers also die so that they can accompany him to the afterlife. Iyaloja, the lady in the market, is worried that Elesin will not follow through with this. Their culture says that if the death of the Elesin does not happen, the world will fall apart. The women in the market talk about how the world is in Elesin’s hands because of this cultural tradition. This is not a British tradition so the British officers who are in Nigeria are not happy that he is going to kill himself. The difference of opinion based on cultural thoughts on death sets up conflict for the rest of the story. The Englishmen think that life is precious and should not be taken away unless by nature. The native nigerians believe otherwise because of their cultural tradition. 

Questions:

1. The authors note talks about colonialism and cultural clash in Nigeria. Then, the first and second act focus on people of different cultures. What role do the cultural differences of the characters play in the first two acts?
2. What is the significance of the not I bird? Elesin talks about how the not I bird comes to people when they are about to die and they all say not I. By referencing this bird, is Elesin saying not I to death or is he ready to go?