Sidi enters, carrying a pail of water on her head. She is described as young and beautiful, the “village belle.” Two boys see her from a school window and begin making noises at her. The schoolmaster, Lakunle, comes to the window and smacks the troublemaking boys on the head. He is twenty-three years old and dresses like a modern schoolmaster from the West. Lakunle sees Sidi carrying the pail of water and runs out to speak with her. He tries to take the pail from Sidi, berating her for not letting him help. He then implores her to become more like the civilized women in Lagos. They argue back and forth, with Sidi making fun of Lakunle for acting like a foreigner with his modern ways. In turn, Lakunle considers Sidi and the villagers of Ilujinle primitive. He wants nothing more than for them to adopt the progressive ways of countries he sees as more civilized.

It is revealed that Lakunle is in love with Sidi and has asked her to marry him. Sidi has refused, citing his “madness” as a cultured man, and his role as the laughingstock of the village.