JAMB UTME - Literature In English - 2023

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Writers use personification to give human characteristics, such as emotions and behaviors, to non-human things, animals, and ideas.

A limerick has

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A limerick is a type of poem that is known for its humorous and playful nature. It consists of five lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme, which is AABBA. This means that the first, second, and fifth lines rhyme with each other, while the third and fourth lines have a different rhyme. In addition to its rhyme scheme, a limerick also typically includes a stinging or surprising climax at the end of the poem. This can be a punchline or a clever twist that adds to the humor of the poem. Unlike other forms of poetry that may be more formal and elaborate, limericks are known for their simplicity and straightforward style. They often use straightforward language, making them easy to understand and enjoy. So, to summarize, a limerick is a short, humorous poem that consists of five lines with a specific rhyme scheme and a clever, funny twist at the end.

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The excerpt from "The Good Morrow" evokes the use of **visual imagery**. Visual imagery refers to the use of vivid and descriptive language that appeals to our sense of sight. In the excerpt, the speaker describes seeing a beauty that they desired and obtained, but it was only a dream of the person they are addressing. This creates a mental image in the reader's mind, allowing them to imagine the contrast between the reality and the dreamlike nature of the beauty. The use of visual imagery helps to engage the reader's imagination and enhance the emotional impact of the poem.

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The moment of recognition of truth when ignorance gives way to knowledge is called **Anagnorisis**. Anagnorisis is a Greek word that can be translated as "recognition" or "discovery". In literature and drama, it refers to a significant moment in a character's story when they suddenly understand their true identity, the nature of their situation, or the consequences of their actions. This moment of realization often comes as a surprise to the character and can have a profound impact on the development of the plot. It allows the character to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships, or the world around them. This recognition can be a turning point in the story, leading to important decisions or changes in the character's behavior. So, in summary, anagnorisis is the moment in which a character in a story or play realizes the truth and gains knowledge that was previously unknown to them.

A panegyric poem is composed to

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A panegyric poem is composed to praise someone or something. It is a form of literary work that specifically focuses on highlighting the positive qualities, achievements, or virtues of a particular individual, group, or object. The purpose of a panegyric poem is to express admiration, honor, and appreciation. It often uses powerful and persuasive language to extol the subject and convey a sense of reverence. In this type of poem, the writer aims to celebrate and glorify the qualities or accomplishments of the subject, presenting them in the best possible light. So, to summarize, a panegyric poem is created to praise and uplift its subject.

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This is a climax literary point in which the audience reacts to what the character (protagonist) experiences. It is known as (release of purgation).

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The value of the comparison is always achieved in the end e.g My mum is a sister, my sister is a mum.

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A formal dignified speech or writing praising a person or thing for past or present deeds is called a eulogy. A eulogy is typically delivered at a funeral or memorial service to honor and remember the deceased. It is a way to acknowledge their life, achievements, and impact on others. Eulogies are meant to be respectful and heartfelt tributes, highlighting the positive aspects of the person's life and their accomplishments. It is a way for friends and family to offer their condolences and remember the person who has passed away.

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The tone of the poet in the poem "Oily Tears" can be described as **optimistic**. The poet expresses a sense of hope and assurance that the tears and sorrow that someone is experiencing will eventually be stopped. The use of the word "swear" implies a strong commitment to this belief. Despite the initial description of "depressed face" and "tears", the poet aims to convey a sense of positivity and optimism for the future.

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Allusions are generally regarded as brief but purposeful references, within a literary text, to a person, place, event, or to another work of literature. An allusion is like a little nod or reference to something or someone else. It's kind of like when you're talking to a friend and you mention a quote from a movie, or you make a reference to a famous event or person. In literature, an allusion is when the author makes a reference to something outside of the text, like another book, a historical event, or a famous person. For example, if a character in a book is described as having the strength of Hercules, it's a reference to the mythological figure Hercules who was known for his incredible strength. This is an allusion to the Greek myth. Allusions can be used to add depth and meaning to a story. They can help the reader make connections, understand the author's intentions, or evoke certain emotions. Allusions can also be used to create a sense of familiarity or to give a story a cultural or historical context. So, in conclusion, allusions are brief references in literature that help convey a deeper meaning or connect the story to something outside of itself. They can be to a person, place, event, or another work of literature.

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The answer to this question is **metonymy**. Metonymy is a figure of speech where a word or phrase is used to represent something else that it is closely associated with. In the poem "Many years on wheels," the phrase "wheels" is used to represent the occupation or job of the government driver. "Wheels" is closely associated with the driver because it is an essential tool and symbol of their profession. The reference to "wheels" as a metonymy helps to emphasize and encapsulate the driver's identity and experience. It communicates the idea that the driver has spent many years working in their profession, using their vehicle as a means of livelihood and service to the government. It is important to note that metonymy differs from personification, climax, and synecdoche. - Personification is the attribution of human characteristics to non-human objects, so it does not accurately fit the context of the poem. - Climax refers to the highest or most intense point of a story or event, which is not applicable to the given line. - Synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part is used to represent a whole or vice versa. While "wheels" can be seen as a synecdoche in a broader context, in this specific line it is being used metonymically. Therefore, the correct answer is metonymy.

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In the given lines, Tom is described as being warm. The reason for this is that he is doing his duty. The phrase "So if all do their duty they need not fear harm" suggests that as long as Tom and others are fulfilling their responsibilities, they will be safe and secure. Therefore, Tom's warmth is a result of his dedication and commitment to his work rather than any external factors such as working indoors, wearing warm clothes, or just waking up from sleep.

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The phrase 'fruit with firm flesh' is an example of alliteration. Alliteration is a literary device where the first consonant sounds in several closely connected words are the same.

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An **allegory** is a story that uses symbolic characters or events to convey a deeper, hidden meaning. It typically has both literal and figurative interpretations. The literal meaning is the surface-level plot or events that happen in the story, while the figurative meaning represents a deeper message, moral, or theme. For example, imagine a story about talking animals who live in a forest and face various challenges. On the surface, it may seem like a simple tale about animal adventures. However, when we analyze the story more closely, we discover that the animals symbolize different human characteristics or represent political or social ideas. The story then becomes a figurative representation, using the animal characters and events as a metaphor for something else. In contrast, a **novella** is a shorter fictional narrative that has a fully developed plot, characters, and theme, but does not have the extensive length of a novel. Novellas usually focus on a particular event or period in a character's life and offer a compact and focused story. A **fable** is a short tale, often involving animals, that conveys a moral lesson or truth. Fables are usually written in a straightforward manner, with animals acting as characters who represent specific qualities or virtues. The story aims to teach a lesson or provide guidance through its moral. An **epistle** is a type of letter or written message that usually contains personal thoughts, reflections, or advice. It is typically addressed to a specific person or group of people and can cover a wide range of topics. Epistles are commonly found in religious texts or historical literature. They may contain moral teachings or serve as a means of communication between individuals or communities. In summary, an **allegory** is a story with both literal and figurative meanings, while a **novella** is a shorter fictional narrative with a fully developed plot. A **fable** is a short tale that teaches a moral lesson, and an **epistle** is a type of letter or written message usually containing personal thoughts or advice.

Which of these is the oldest genre of literature?

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The oldest genre of literature is poetry.

Poetry can be traced back thousands of years to ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Greeks. It predates other forms of literature like drama and prose.

What makes poetry unique is its use of rhythm, meter, and language that is often more expressive and condensed than other forms of writing. It is a form of artistic expression that evokes emotions and creates vivid imagery through the use of carefully chosen words and structures.

Throughout history, poetry has been used to communicate stories, share cultural traditions, express love, and even convey political or social messages.

In summary, poetry is the oldest genre of literature, dating back to ancient civilizations, and it continues to be appreciated and enjoyed by people around the world today.

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The reaction in the passage above is **nausea**. The passage describes the narrator's immediate physical response after opening the bottle. The strong odor coming from the bottle caused an unpleasant sensation in the narrator's nose, resulting in a feeling of discomfort or disgust. This natural bodily reaction is commonly known as nausea. Use of phrases like "I was shocked by the odor" and "I immediately corked it again, and spat on the floor" reinforces the sense of physical repulsion or discomfort caused by the smell. Hence, the answer is nausea.

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The sides of a stage are called **the wings**. This is because they are typically located on either side of the main performance area, just like the wings of a bird extend from its body. The wings provide space for performers, props, and equipment to be concealed and stored until they are needed on stage. They also serve as entrances and exits for actors during a performance, allowing them to make their entrances and exits discreetly. In summary, the wings of a stage are the areas on either side of the main stage where performers and equipment are organized and concealed before and during a performance.

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The speaker in the excerpt above is confident. We can infer this because the speaker is advising someone to "be calm" and "regain their composure." These statements suggest that the speaker is composed and confident in their ability to handle the situation.

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The combination of two or more metaphors is called mixed metaphor.
Metaphors are figures of speech that use language to compare two unrelated things, usually for the purpose of creating vivid descriptions or conveying a particular meaning. When multiple metaphors are brought together in a single sentence or phrase, it creates a mixed metaphor.
Imagine if someone said, "He's as sharp as a knife, but also a shining star." In this example, the person is using two different metaphors: one comparing someone to a sharp knife and another comparing them to a shining star. However, when these two metaphors are combined, it creates a mixed metaphor.
Mixed metaphors can sometimes create confusion or make the intended meaning unclear. It is generally more effective to stick to one metaphor at a time to ensure clarity and coherence in communication.

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The overwhelming pride that destroys the tragic hero is called hubris.
Hubris refers to excessive pride or arrogance displayed by a character, often leading to their downfall. Tragic heroes are typically individuals who possess remarkable qualities or achievements but are also flawed in some way. Their hubris causes them to overestimate their abilities or believe they are invincible, leading them to challenge or defy the gods or fate.
In Greek tragedies, the fatal flaw of hubris is a common theme. The tragic hero's excessive pride blinds them to their faults and the consequences of their actions. This ultimately brings about their downfall and a sense of catharsis for the audience.
To summarize, hubris is the overwhelming pride that destroys the tragic hero by causing them to act out of arrogance and disregard the potential consequences of their actions.

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The poetic device used in the expression 'for the caged bird sings of freedom' is irony. Irony is a figure of speech in which the intended meaning is the opposite of the literal meaning. In this case, the irony lies in the fact that the caged bird, despite being confined, sings of freedom.

This question is based on BAT.

Read the excerpt and answer questions
"Bat!
Creatures that hang themselves up like an old rag, to sleep, And disgustingly upside down."

The theme of this excerpt is____

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The theme of this excerpt is **the poet's appalling remarks about the bird**. In this excerpt, the poet describes bats as creatures that "hang themselves up like an old rag" and sleep "disgustingly upside down." This implies that the poet views bats in a negative light and finds their behavior revolting. Therefore, the theme of the excerpt is the poet's appalling remarks about the bird. The other options do not accurately reflect the overall tone and message conveyed by the poet's words in this particular excerpt.

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The narrative style in which the hero tells his own story directly is called first-person. In first-person narrative, the protagonist or hero of the story is the one who is narrating the events, and they usually use pronouns like "I," "me," and "my" to refer to themselves. This perspective allows the reader to see the story through the eyes and experiences of the hero, providing a more intimate and personal connection with the protagonist. Thus, the hero's direct involvement in telling the story gives it a first-person narrative style.

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The action in a play that stimulates the audience to pity a character is called pathos.
Pathos is a storytelling technique that aims to evoke strong emotions such as pity, sympathy, and compassion from the audience. It involves portraying the character's suffering, tragedy, or unfortunate circumstances in a way that creates an emotional connection between the audience and the character. This connection allows the audience to empathize with the character and feel a sense of pity for their situation.
In a play, pathos can be created through various means such as the character's dialogue, actions, or interactions with other characters. It can also be enhanced by the use of dramatic elements like music, lighting, and stage design.
By evoking a sense of pity in the audience, pathos helps to engage them emotionally and creates a deeper impact and connection with the story being told on stage. It can be a powerful tool for a playwright to convey their message and make the audience reflect on the human condition.

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The device used in the phrase "I shall booze and zoom" is **hyperbole**.
Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggerated statements or claims that are not meant to be taken literally. In this case, the phrase implies that the retired government driver will engage in excessive drinking and high-speed driving. The use of the words "booze" and "zoom" exaggerates the driver's intended behavior after retirement.
It is important to note that hyperbole is often used to make a point or create an impact in writing or speech, and should not be interpreted literally.

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A novel that features spiritual apparitions as major characters is typically classified as a Gothic novel. Gothic literature is a genre that originated in the 18th century and often includes supernatural elements, such as ghosts, monsters, and other eerie occurrences. In Gothic novels, spiritual apparitions play significant roles in influencing the plot and creating a sense of mystery and suspense. These apparitions can be depicted as haunting or supernatural entities that interact with the human characters, usually with a lingering sense of terror or foreboding. They often symbolize unresolved conflicts, inner fears, or the consequences of past actions. Gothic novels aim to evoke strong emotions in readers, such as fear, horror, and fascination. By introducing spiritual apparitions as major characters, authors create an atmosphere of the supernatural and supernatural occurrences, heightening the tension and suspense in the narrative. These apparitions serve as catalysts for the central conflicts and themes of the story, enriching the overall reading experience. In summary, a novel that features spiritual apparitions as major characters is most likely classified as a Gothic novel, as this genre specifically incorporates supernatural elements and creates an atmosphere of mystery and suspense.

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A character that is always against the interest of the protagonist is known as the "villain". The villain is a character in a story who acts as the main source of conflict and obstacle for the protagonist. Their primary purpose is to create tension and challenge the hero, often by causing harm, creating obstacles, or opposing the protagonist's goals. The villain is usually portrayed as malicious, cruel, or immoral, and they are a constant threat to the hero's well-being and success. In many stories, the hero and the villain engage in a battle of wills, where the hero must use their skills, intelligence, and determination to overcome the villain's actions and ultimately achieve a favorable outcome. The villain is an essential element in storytelling, as they provide a contrast to the hero and offer opportunities for growth, redemption, and triumph.

The writing convention in which the events in narrative are scrambled as they come to the writer's mind without any attempt to arrange them in orderly sequence is called

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The writing convention in which the events in a narrative are scrambled as they come to the writer's mind without any attempt to arrange them in an orderly sequence is called "stream of consciousness".
Stream of consciousness is a literary technique that aims to depict the continuous flow of thoughts, feelings, memories, and associations that pass through a character's mind. It is like a window into the character's inner thoughts and perceptions.
In this style of writing, there is no chronological order or logical structure. Instead, the narrative jumps from one thought or impression to another, often without clear transitions. This technique attempts to mimic the unpredictable and often messy nature of human thought processes.
Stream of consciousness writing allows readers to experience a character's thoughts and emotions in a more direct and intimate way. It provides insight into their psychology, their internal conflicts, and their unique perception of the world.
So, in summary, stream of consciousness is a writing convention that presents a jumbled and unorganized depiction of a character's thoughts and experiences, capturing the chaotic and spontaneous nature of human consciousness.

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The master in the passage above is in a state of *trance*.

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The poetic device in the expression "Rage is chief" is a metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unrelated things by stating that one thing is the other thing. In this case, the expression is comparing "rage" to a "chief". It is not saying that rage is like a chief or similar to a chief, but rather, it is asserting that rage is the chief or leader of something. To further illustrate, let's look at the definition of the word "chief". A chief is the leader or the head of a group or organization. By using the metaphorical language of "rage is chief", the phrase emphasizes that rage is in control or has dominance over something. Therefore, the poetic device used in the expression "Rage is chief" is a metaphor, as it uses figurative language to convey the idea that rage is the leader or the most powerful force.

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An extended fictional narrative which is realistic is known as a novel.
A novel is a long work of fiction that tells a story in great detail and depth. It typically has a complex plot, well-developed characters, and explores various themes and ideas. Unlike a short story, which is shorter and focuses on a single event or theme, a novel provides a more extensive exploration of its subject matter.
While diaries can also convey narratives, they are typically personal accounts of a person's experiences and do not follow a traditional story structure. On the other hand, a novella is a shorter work of fiction that is longer than a short story but shorter than a novel. Novellas often explore a single theme or idea in depth. However, for an extended fictional narrative with a realistic setting and a detailed exploration of characters and themes, a novel is the most suitable option.

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A Government Driver on His Retirement is a poem of thirty-three lines divided into six stanzas. Stanzas 1, 2, 4 and 5 have four lines each while Stanzas 3 and 6 have eight and nine lines respectively.

Using the name of one thing for something else with which it is closely associated in an instance is

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Metonymy is the correct answer. Metonymy is a figure of speech where the name of one thing is used to refer to something else that is closely associated with it. It is a way of expressing an idea or concept indirectly by substituting a related word or phrase. For example, when we say "The pen is mightier than the sword," we are using the word "pen" to represent the act of writing, which is closely associated with it. Similarly, when we say "The crown declared war," we are using the word "crown" to represent the monarchy or the person in power who wears the crown. In metonymy, the substituted word or phrase is chosen based on its connection or association to the intended meaning, making the language more vivid and expressive. It helps to add depth and layers of meaning to our communication by using familiar words or phrases that evoke certain ideas or images. In summary, metonymy is the use of a word or phrase to represent something closely related to it. It allows us to convey meaning indirectly, adding richness and nuance to our language.

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In the passage above, it is implied that the unknown woman mentioned is **dead**. The passage states that she is "six feet beneath the earth," which indicates that she is buried in a grave or buried underground. The use of phrases such as "the place where she lay" and "a good six feet beneath an earth" suggest that she is not able to move or run away. The mention of Senhor Jose feeling unsure of what else he should do implies that the woman is no longer alive and there is nothing more that can be done for her. Therefore, the answer is that the unknown woman is dead.

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A metrical pause occurring in the middle of a line in a poem is called a caesura. - **Caesura** is a punctuation-like break in the rhythm of a poem that creates a pause, typically in the middle of a line. - It is used to add emphasis, create a rhythmic pattern, or give the reader a moment to reflect. - Unlike punctuation marks, which break the flow of words, a caesura is a more subtle pause that is created through the use of meter and rhythm. - **Tetrametre** refers to a line of poetry containing four metrical feet, while **rhythm** refers to the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a poem. - **Assonance** refers to the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words or lines of poetry.

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A trilogy is a sequence of three plays, stories, or books that are usually connected and tell a larger, overall story. It can be written by the same author or have related authors. The important point about a trilogy is that it consists of three parts or pieces that are meant to be read or seen together as a whole. So, in summary, a trilogy is a set of three interconnected plays, stories, or books.

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The imagery in the excerpt above is mainly auditory and visual. The line "my heart is a quiet drum" creates an auditory image as it compares the sound of a drum to the beating of the heart. It suggests that the heart is making a gentle rhythmic sound, similar to a drum. The line "something it flares like a parched thunder cracking through a damask sky" creates a visual image. It compares the heart's flaring to thunder cracking through a damask (patterned) sky. This imagery conjures up the image of a powerful and intense display of energy, like lightning cutting through the sky. Overall, the excerpt combines auditory imagery with visual imagery to evoke a sense of sound and sight in the reader's mind.

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The theme of this excerpt is **the oppression of women**. In the excerpt, the women are described as singing in the forlorn fields about their lives. The songs they sing are about how they ploughed the terrain of their landscape for memories of lyrics lost in the vast void of time. This suggests that their lives have been filled with hardship and struggle. The lyrics lost in time symbolize the lost stories and experiences of these women due to their oppression. The mention of servitude cuffing the ankles of their soul and dereliction decapitating the epic of their lives further emphasize the theme of oppression. This language evokes a sense of bondage and powerlessness. The oppression is likely a result of societal structures and systems that have limited the freedom and agency of these women. Therefore, based on the description of the women's experiences and the imagery used, **the theme of this excerpt is the oppression of women**.

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A tragic hero, according to the Aristotelian precept, must be a noble character with hubris. In simpler terms, a tragic hero is a high-ranking and respected person who possesses a fatal flaw or excessive pride. This flaw or hubris leads to their downfall or tragic ending in the story. It is important to note that a tragic hero does not necessarily have to be a king or a central character after whom the play is named. The key characteristic is their noble status and the presence of hubris. Their downfall is often a result of their own actions or decisions, making their story both tragic and relatable. Through their downfall, the audience learns profound life lessons and experiences catharsis, a release of emotions.

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The tone of the passage above is **derisive**. In the passage, the writer is making fun of the way some people write their application letters. They mention the flowery language and excessive formality used in the closing of the letter. The use of phrases like "if you are kind enough to accommodate this humble application" and "I shall do my utmost best to render you the greatest services" is being mocked. This suggests that the writer is mocking or ridiculing the practice of using grand, exaggerated language in an application letter. Therefore, the tone of the passage is derisive.