JAMB UTME - Literature In English - 1989

This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

Which of the following BEST describes a balled?

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A ballad is best described as a short song that tells a story. Ballads are a form of narrative poetry that were traditionally sung or recited orally. They often have a simple and repetitive structure, with a refrain or chorus that is repeated throughout the song. Ballads typically tell a story that is focused on themes such as love, tragedy, or adventure. They may also incorporate elements of folklore, mythology, or history. In modern times, ballads have been adapted to different musical styles, but they still retain their narrative quality and storytelling function. Overall, ballads are a unique form of poetry that combines music and storytelling to create a powerful and evocative form of artistic expression.

This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

'We have come to the crossroads

And I must either leave or come with you

I lingered over the choice

But in the darkness of my doubts

You lifted the lamp of love

And I saw in your face

The road that I should take',

'The Mesh' by Kwesi Brew

The poem ends on a note of

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The poem 'The Mesh' by Kwesi Brew ends on a note of hope. The speaker is at a crossroads and is unsure of whether to leave or stay with someone. However, the other person's love acts as a guiding light and helps the speaker see the path they should take. This realization brings a sense of hope and direction to the speaker's life, allowing them to make a decision with determination. The use of the metaphor of a lamp in the darkness symbolizes the hope that love can provide even in times of confusion and doubt. Overall, the poem suggests that love can serve as a guiding force and bring clarity and purpose to one's life.

This question is based on selected poems from Wole Soyinka (ed.) Poems of Black Africa and D.I Nwoga (ed) West African Verse.
Kwesi Brew's 'The Dry Season' shows that

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This question is based on Chinua Achebe's Arrow of God.

The lesson which emerges from the fate of Ezeulu is that

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The lesson which emerges from the fate of Ezeulu in Chinua Achebe's Arrow of God is that no man ever won judgment against his clan. Ezeulu is a powerful priest of Ulu, the god of the Igbo people, and is highly respected by his clan. However, he becomes embroiled in a power struggle with the colonial government and ultimately loses. Despite his power and status, Ezeulu is unable to triumph over the collective will of his people. This suggests that individual ambition and pride must always be subordinated to the good of the community. The lesson is also a commentary on the impact of colonialism on traditional African societies, which often resulted in internal conflicts and divisions. The novel highlights the tension between the traditional Igbo culture and the encroaching influence of Western values and religion. Overall, the fate of Ezeulu illustrates the importance of community and the limits of individual power in traditional African societies.

This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation.In the morning Benjamin complained of a headache; at noon he collapsed; by midnight he was as dead and cold as a stone.

The dominant literary device in the above statement is

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The dominant literary device in the statement is "climax." The sentence is structured in a way that builds up the tension and intensifies the situation, leading to the climax or the highest point of the story - the death of Benjamin. The progression from the morning when Benjamin complains of a headache, to the noon when he collapses, and finally to the midnight when he is declared dead, creates a sense of rising action and increases the emotional impact on the reader. Therefore, the statement follows a classic climax structure and highlights the importance of this turning point in the story.

This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

'The story of my life, which I am about to record Is one full of striking incident Keener pange, deeper joys more singular vicissitudes, few have been led in God's providence to experience. As I look back on it through the vista of more than sixty years and scene on scene it rise before me an ever fresh wonder fils my mind. I delight to recall it, I dwell on it as did the Jews on the marvellous history of thir rescue from the bondage of Egypt'

Black Slave Narratives J.F. Bayliss (ed)

The literary term used for this kind of writing is

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The literary term used for this kind of writing is "autobiography". An autobiography is a form of literature where the author writes about their own life, usually focusing on their personal experiences, feelings, and thoughts. In this passage, the author is introducing their own story and expressing their excitement and joy in recalling it. The language used, such as "the story of my life" and "I am about to record", suggests that this is an autobiographical work.

This question is based on selected poems from Wole Soyinka (ed.) Poems of Black Africa and D.I Nwoga (ed) West African Verse.

In Agostinho Neto's 'Night', night basically symbolises

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This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

'There is something new, for example, about my hands, a certain way of picking up my pipe or my fork. Or else it is the fork which now has a certain way of getting itself picked up, I don't know. Just now, when I was on the point of coming into my room, I stooped short because I felt in my hand a cold object which attracted my attention by means of a sort of personality. I opened my hand and looked I was simply holding the door knob'

Nausea by Jean Paul Sartre

The style of writing in the passage can be described as

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The style of writing in this passage from Nausea by Jean Paul Sartre can be described as introspective. The narrator is reflecting on his own experiences and perceptions in a deep and personal way, examining the way his body interacts with the world around him. The use of first-person narration and the focus on sensory details also contribute to this introspective style. The passage is not confused or confrontational, as the narrator is simply observing and describing his own thoughts and sensations. It is also not passive, as the narrator is actively engaging with his environment and reflecting on his experiences.

This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

In a work of literature, plot is constructed on

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Plot in a work of literature is constructed on the principles of conflict. Conflict is the central driving force that creates tension and movement within a story. Without conflict, there would be no plot, and the story would have no direction or purpose. The conflict can take many forms, such as a struggle between characters, a clash between different values or beliefs, or an external obstacle that the protagonist must overcome. Exciting and memorable episodes, the use of figurative language, and recurring events can all contribute to the development of a compelling plot, but they are not the fundamental basis upon which it is built.

This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

'The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew,

The furrow followed free;

We were the first that ever burst

Into that silent sea...'

'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' by S.T.

Coleridge

The dominant figure of speech in the above passage is

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The dominant figure of speech in the passage is alliteration. Alliteration is the repetition of the initial sound of words in a sentence or phrase, and in this passage, the repetition of the "f" sound in "fair breeze," "white foam," and "furrow followed free" creates a musical quality and a sense of movement that reflects the poem's nautical theme. The repeated "f" sound also emphasizes the sense of freedom and exhilaration that the sailors feel as they embark on their journey into uncharted waters.

This question is based on selected poems from Wole Soyinka (ed.) Poems of Black Africa and D.I Nwoga (ed) West African Verse.

'...and we learn to sing half familiar half strange songs

We learn to dance to half familiar half strange rhythms...'

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This question is based on Chinua Achebe's Arrow of God.

When he came back from Operi I went to his house and he talked like a sane man. I reminded him of saying that a man must dance the dance prevailing in his time...'

The above statement was made by Ofoka about

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The above statement was made by Ofoka about Ezeulu in Chinua Achebe's Arrow of God. Ofoka had been concerned about Ezeulu's mental state and had gone to check on him after he returned from a long stay in the forest of the god Ulu. During their conversation, Ofoka reminded Ezeulu of his earlier statement that "a man must dance the dance prevailing in his time". This statement implies that a man must adapt to the changing circumstances of his society and participate in its cultural and political practices in order to remain relevant and respected. Ofoka's reminder suggests that Ezeulu should reconsider his stubborn resistance to change and acknowledge the new realities that were emerging in his society. Therefore, the statement made by Ofoka about dancing the prevailing dance of the time is a metaphor for adapting to change and participating in the evolving cultural and political practices of a society.

This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

The main distinguishing feature of literature is that it

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This question is based on Wole Soyinka's The Lion and the Jewel.
The time has come when I can fool myself no more I am no man Sadiku My manhood Ended near a week ago'.In the light of subsequent happenings, these word reveal that the speaker

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This question is based on Wole Soyinka's The Lion and the Jewel.

The immediate consequence of the publication of Sidi's pictures is to make her

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This question is based on Chinua Achebe's Arrow of God.

'....a man who brings ant-ridden faggots into his hut should expect the visit of lizards...

What does Nwaka refer to as 'ant-ridden faggots' in this context?

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This question is based on Wole Soyinka's The Lion and the Jewel......Aha! Here comes Sadiku

Do you bring some balm

To soothe the smart of my misused armpit

Away, your enemy!'

What is the nature of the balm referred to by the speaker?

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This question is based on selected poems from Wole Soyinka (ed.) Poems of Black Africa and D.I Nwoga (ed) West African Verse.

J.P Clak's 'Streamside Exchange, depicts an interplay of

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This question is based on Wole Soyinka's The Lion and the Jewel.A savage custom, barbaric, out-dated Rejected, denounced, accursed Excommunicated, archaic, degrading Humiliating, unspeakable, redundant, Retrogressive, remarkable, unpalatable what custom does Lakunle refer to in the above excerpt?

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This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation.'Hee, thou great Anna! whom three realms obey,

Dost sometimes counsel take - and sometimes tea.'

The literary device used in this passage is

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This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

A story, exemplifying a moral thesis, in which animals talk and act like human beings, is called

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The correct answer is a fable. A fable is a type of story in which animals or inanimate objects are given human-like qualities and are used to teach a moral lesson. The animals or objects often speak and act like humans, but the stories are meant to teach a lesson about human behavior or morality. For example, in the fable "The Tortoise and the Hare," the animals are given human-like qualities and the story teaches the lesson that "slow and steady wins the race."

This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

'Hall to then, blithe spirit!

Bird thou wert,

That from Heaven, or near it,

In profuse strains of unpremeditated art!

'To A Shylark' by P.B. Shelley

The main figure of speech in the above passage is

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The main figure of speech in the given passage is apostrophe. Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which the speaker addresses a person or thing that is absent or not present as if it were present and could respond. In this passage, the speaker addresses a skylark as a "blithe spirit" and a "bird" that sings in "profuse strains of unpremeditated art" in a joyful and admiring tone. The skylark is not physically present, but the speaker addresses it as if it were, praising its singing and expressing his admiration. Therefore, the figure of speech used here is apostrophe.

This question is based on selected poems from Wole Soyinka (ed.) Poems of Black Africa and D.I Nwoga (ed) West African Verse.

The lesson learnt from 'The Fulani Creation Story' is that Doondari cannot tolerate

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According to the Fulani Creation Story, Doondari, the creator, cannot tolerate pride. This is shown when the first man Doondari created, Paa, became proud of his physical appearance and started to think he was superior to the other creatures Doondari created. As a result, Doondari punished Paa by making him blind, unable to appreciate his own physical beauty. Thus, the story teaches us the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.

This question is based on George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man.

'Excuse me Bluntschll what did you say had spoiled your chances in life?

According to Bluntschll what had spoiled his chances in life was

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Bluntschli, a Swiss professional soldier in George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man, states that his incurably romantic disposition has spoiled his chances in life. Bluntschli, unlike most soldiers, is not interested in war and romanticizes about love and relationships instead. He believes that his romantic disposition has prevented him from achieving his goals and success in life. Bluntschli is portrayed as a practical, resourceful and competent soldier who has managed to stay alive in several battles due to his quick-thinking and knowledge of tactics. However, his romanticism often leads him to act in ways that are not practical, such as falling in love with Raina, the daughter of a wealthy family, which could jeopardize his mission. Therefore, Bluntschli's incurably romantic disposition is what he believes has spoiled his chances in life.

This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

'Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower.'

We will grieve not, rather find

Strength in what remains behind',....

'Ode- Intimations of Immorality

By William Worthsworth

The above lines convey a sense of

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This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

'He taught history classes in the room next to hers.

He was quiet, clean and sincere. They could talk together and were friends long before she felt toleration for his personal habits that she identified as love . He was a dreamy unambitious person...who walked over the earth unhurriedly, as conscious of every step and print his footsteps would leave in the dirt'.

Meridian by Alice Walker

The person described in the passage is

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The person described in the passage is a dreamy and unambitious individual who is quiet, clean, and sincere. He teaches history classes and is friends with the narrator. The narrator initially tolerates his personal habits before realizing that she identifies them as love. He walks slowly and is conscious of every step and print his footsteps would leave in the dirt. Therefore, the correct option would be "a lackadaisical person."

This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

In literary work, setting refers to the

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In literary work, setting refers to the sum total of physical, social, and historical circumstances in which the story takes place. This includes the time, place, and environment in which the characters are situated. The setting can help to establish the mood and atmosphere of the story and provide a backdrop for the events that take place. It can also play a significant role in shaping the characters and their actions, as well as providing insight into the social and cultural context of the story. So, in short, the setting is the context or environment in which the story takes place.

This question is based on Mariama Ba's So Long a Letter .

Ramatoulaye's attitude to her co-wife is that of

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This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

In a conic-tragedy, the unknotting of the plot, the resolution of the mystery and the resolution of the misunderstanding is called

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The resolution of the mystery and the misunderstandings in a tragic play is called the denouement. It is the final part of the play where the knots in the plot are untied, and the audience is provided with the resolution to the story. In simpler terms, it is the moment of revelation where the audience gains a deeper understanding of the play's events and the character's motivations. This is usually followed by the play's climax, where the conflicts are resolved, and the characters' fates are determined.

This question is based on selected poems from Wole Soyinka (ed.) Poems of Black Africa and D.I Nwoga (ed) West African Verse.

'...Horrors were flowers then the bright red bougainvilla'.

The above lines from Kwesi Brew's 'The Executioner's Dream' depict the executioner's

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This question is based on George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man.
Which of the following characters fight against vague idealism in life?

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This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

The prologue of any work is the

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The prologue of a literary work is an introduction that appears at the beginning of the work. It typically provides background information or sets the stage for the rest of the story, poem, or play. The prologue may establish the setting, introduce key characters or themes, or provide context for the events that follow. It serves as an invitation to the reader or audience to enter into the world of the work and become engaged with its characters, plot, and themes. In contrast to the conclusion, which appears at the end of a work and provides a sense of closure, the prologue sets the tone and prepares the reader for what is to come.

This question is based on Chinua Achebe's Arrow of God.

Ezeulu sent his son, Oduche, to join the Christians because

he wanted a representative in the group in case they became powerful

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This question is based on George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man.

The play ends on a note of

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This question is based on selected poems from Wole Soyinka (ed.) Poems of Black Africa and D.I Nwoga (ed) West African Verse.

The oilbean in Christopher Okigbo's 'The Passage refers to

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In Christopher Okigbo's poem "The Passage," the oilbean refers to one of the totems of Idoto, a goddess in Igbo mythology. The poem describes a ritual in which young women, who are initiated into the cult of Idoto, must bathe in a river and eat the oilbean as a symbol of their purification and rebirth. Therefore, the oilbean is not just a physical object, but a symbolic representation of the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the Igbo people.

This question is based on George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man.

The initial reluctance of the Petkoff's family to accept Bluntschli's marriage proposition to Raina was on the account of his

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This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

A poem written in honour and praise of somebody else is

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A poem that is written to honor and express praise for someone else is called a eulogy. This type of poem is typically written to commemorate and celebrate the life, accomplishments, and virtues of an individual. It is often read at funerals or other memorial services as a way of paying tribute to the deceased. Eulogies can take many forms, but they typically include vivid descriptions of the person being honored, as well as expressions of love, admiration, and gratitude.

This question is based on Mariama Ba's So Long a Letter .

'Was it madness, weakness, irresistible love?

What inner confusion led Modou Fall to marry Binetou?...

Ramatoulaya finds the answers to these questions in

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This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

In literary criticism, the vocabulary or language used by a writer is generally known as

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In literary criticism, the vocabulary or language used by a writer is generally known as "diction." Diction refers to the writer's choice and use of words and phrases in their writing, including their style of expression, tone, and level of formality. It is an important aspect of a writer's style, as it can convey the writer's intended meaning and emotions to the reader. A writer's diction can vary depending on their audience, purpose, and context.

This question is based on selected poems from Wole Soyinka (ed.) Poems of Black Africa and D.I Nwoga (ed) West African Verse.

'And since we did not understand our dead since we have never listened to their cries

If we weep gently....'

What heart will listen to our clamouring 'Vanity' expresses

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This question is based on selected poems from Wole Soyinka (ed.) Poems of Black Africa and D.I Nwoga (ed) West African Verse.

In Odia Ofeimun's 'The Prodigals', the attitude of the returnees is best described as

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This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

'I have said too much unto a heart of stone

And laid mine honour too unchary out'

Twelveth Night by W. Shakespeare

The above lamentation is an example of a

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This question is based on selected poems from Wole Soyinka (ed.) Poems of Black Africa and D.I Nwoga (ed) West African Verse.

'...Ha! That motoka is motoka

It belongs to the Minister of Fairness

Who yesterday was loaded with a doctorate

At Makerere with whisky...

Plus I hear the literate thighs of an undergraduate'

The above stanza from Theo Luzuku's 'The Motoka' demonstrates that the minister is

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The stanza from Theo Luzuku's 'The Motoka' implies that the minister mentioned is corrupt and immoral. The line "It belongs to the Minister of Fairness" is ironic because fairness is the opposite of corruption. The fact that the Minister was "loaded with a doctorate at Makerere with whisky" suggests that he may have acquired his degree through unethical means or bribery. Additionally, the mention of "literate thighs of an undergraduate" implies that the minister is engaging in sexual relations with a student, which is highly unethical and immoral. Therefore, the overall tone of the stanza suggests that the Minister is corrupt and lacking in morals.

This question is based on Chinua Achebe's Arrow of God.

Nwaka's hostility to Ezeulu is attributable to

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This question is based on Wole Soyinka's The Lion and the Jewel.

Lakunle:... To fetch and carry

To cook and scrub

To bring forth children by the gross

Sidi: Heaven forgive you! Do you now scorn child bearing in a wife?

What would Lakunle rather prefer to accomplish before child bearing ?

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This question is based on Mariama Ba's So Long a Letter .

'...princes master their feelings to fulfil their duties 'Others' bend their heads and, in silence, accept a destiny that oppresses them. That, briefly put, is the internal ordering of our society, with its absurd divisions....'

In the above excerpt from her letter to Mawdo Ba, Aissatou sees society as

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Aissatou sees society as unequal and unjust. She believes that the ruling class, such as princes, are able to control their emotions to do what is required of them, while the working classes have to accept their fate silently even if it is oppressive. She thinks that the way society is structured is absurd and creates unfair divisions between people.

This question is based on George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man.

...What would Sergius, the hero of Slivnitza, say if he saw me now? What would Sergius, the apostle of higher love, say if he saw me now?

What would the half dozen Sergiuses who keep popping in and out of this handsome figure of mine say if they caught us here?''

These questions are addressed to

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This question is based on Mariama Ba's So Long a Letter .

What special function does Ramatoulaye's diary perform?

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Ramatoulaye's diary in Mariama Ba's "So Long a Letter" serves a special function in that it brings succor to her in distress. Ramatoulaye uses her diary as a form of therapy to cope with the emotional turmoil she experiences after the death of her husband and the challenges she faces as a widow in a patriarchal society. She pours out her thoughts and feelings into her diary, which provides her with a sense of comfort and relief. The diary becomes a confidant and a source of solace for her during her difficult times. In this way, Ramatoulaye's diary serves as a means of emotional support and helps her navigate through the challenges of her life.

This question is based on General Literary Principles and Literary Appreciation

Motivation in any work is the

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Motivation in any work refers to the underlying reasons or driving forces behind the actions, thoughts, and emotions of the characters. It is the explanation of why the characters behave in certain ways and why events unfold in a particular manner. Motivation is an essential element of literary works as it allows readers to understand and empathize with the characters, and it provides a sense of coherence to the narrative. Therefore, which refers to the explanation of the behavior of the characters, is the correct answer.

This question is based on Chinua Achebe's Arrow of God

Whom do you consider to be Ezeulu's closest friend and confidant in Umuaro?

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Ezeulu's closest friend and confidant in Umuaro is Ogbuefi Akuebue. This is evident in the novel through their interactions and conversations. Ogbuefi Akuebue is portrayed as a respected elder and counselor to Ezeulu, often offering him advice and guidance on important matters affecting the community. Ezeulu also trusts him enough to confide in him about his personal struggles, such as his internal conflict between his duty to the gods and his loyalty to his people. Additionally, Ogbuefi Akuebue is one of the few people who can challenge Ezeulu and speak truthfully to him without fear of retribution, which shows the level of intimacy and trust between them.