JAMB UTME - Literature In English - 1990

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The letter used in Mariama Ba's So Long a Letter is particularly effective because it is an intimate form of expression. The letter is written in the first-person point of view, which allows the reader to experience the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of the main character Ramatoulaye. Through the letter, Ramatoulaye is able to express her deepest feelings and experiences in a way that is not always possible through dialogue or other forms of communication. The reader is able to gain insight into her personal struggles and her journey towards self-discovery, making the letter a powerful and effective literary device in the novel. The fact that the letter contains tragic content also adds to its emotional impact on the reader.

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The lines "Tide and market come and go, and so shall your mother" from J.P. Clark's 'Streamside Exchange' depict the constancy of nature. The poet is emphasizing the idea that just as the tides and market cycles are predictable and consistent, so too is the cycle of life and death. The use of "mother" suggests a personal connection, but the broader message is that all life is subject to this natural cycle of birth, growth, decline, and death.

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The account of the battle in the play, Arms and the Man, carries a tone of mockery. The description of the soldier's actions as being like those of an "operatic tenor" with a "lovely moustache" suggests that the scene is being presented in an exaggerated and somewhat ridiculous manner. The comparison to Don Quixote, a literary character who is famously foolish and delusional, further emphasizes the ridiculousness of the soldier's behavior. The use of the word "shouting" to describe the soldier's war-cry also adds to the tone of mockery, as it suggests that the soldier's actions are more theatrical than genuinely heroic. Overall, the tone of the passage is not one of admiration or bitterness, but rather a humorous and mocking one that highlights the absurdity of the situation.

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Aissatou's success in life in Mariama Ba's "So Long a Letter" is primarily attributed to her feminine courage. She exhibits determination, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges she faces, such as a broken marriage and societal pressures, she perseveres and creates a successful career for herself. While social connections do play a role in her success, it is her personal traits that truly drive her achievements. She does not rely on luck or vengeance to achieve her goals, but rather her own determination and hard work.

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Based on the given excerpt from Joseph Andrews, it can be inferred that the lawyer mentioned is a coward. The lawyer admits that if it had been daylight, he could have submitted to the robbery, but he gave his money only because he was more afraid for the lady than for himself. Additionally, he boasts about his previous encounters with highwaymen but has never been attacked. Therefore, his behavior and words suggest that he is not a brave or gallant man but rather a coward who is more concerned about his own safety.

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The gentleman referred to in this passage from George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man is Sergius. In the play, Raina shows a photograph of Sergius to Bluntschli and tells him that she is engaged to him. The passage highlights Raina's idealistic and romanticized view of Sergius as a patriotic hero, but as the play progresses, she begins to realize that Sergius may not be the perfect hero she had imagined him to be.

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The effect in the passage is achieved through the use of visual images and detailed descriptions. The author uses descriptive language to paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind, using words such as "slight breeze," "swayed," "red cloud," and "burnt clay" to create a sensory experience. These images create a mood of unease and foreboding, with the grasses appearing to resent the breeze and the red clouds hanging menacingly in the sky. The author's use of descriptive language allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the scene, creating a strong emotional response. Adequate punctuation helps to clarify the meaning of the text, but it does not contribute significantly to the overall effect of the passage.

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A necessary quality of every work of literature is that it shows a creative use of language. This means that literature uses language in a unique and artistic way to express ideas, emotions, and experiences. It's not necessary for literature to be publishable or teach a moral lesson, but it must use language in a way that sets it apart from everyday speech. Literature can have characters or actors, but this is not the defining characteristic of literary works. The creative use of language is what distinguishes literature from other forms of communication.

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In literature, an epilogue is a section or chapter that comes after the main story has concluded. It is typically found at the very end of a literary work and serves as a concluding statement. The purpose of an epilogue is to provide closure to the story and to allow the author to address any loose ends or unresolved issues that were not dealt with in the main text. An epilogue may also provide insight into what happens to the characters after the story ends or give the author an opportunity to reflect on the themes and messages conveyed in the work. It can also be used to provide a final twist or surprise ending. Therefore, the answer is "at the end".

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In Gabriel Okara's poem 'The Fisherman's Invocation', the Black is presented in relation to the child-front as a source of inspiration. The poem describes the fisherman's invocation of the sea and the Black as a way of invoking inspiration and creative energy. The Black is associated with the unknown, the mysterious, and the depths of the sea. The child-front represents a state of innocence and wonder, and the Black is seen as a source of wonder and creative potential that can inspire the child-front to explore and discover new things. Therefore, the Black is presented in a positive light as a source of inspiration and creative energy.

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The dominant literary device in the given extract from William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" is progressive amplification. The passage begins with the statement that the character's mind is "crowded with memories," but then goes on to describe in greater and greater detail the specific memories that are taking up space in his mind. The memories are amplified and built upon, culminating in the powerful image of taking "away its life like a long satisfying drink." This technique serves to emphasize the intensity of the character's experiences and emotions, creating a vivid and memorable image in the reader's mind.

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The seductive language in the given text from "Devil on the Cross" by Ngugi wa Thiong'o is predominantly achieved through the use of metaphor. Metaphor is a figure of speech that implies a comparison between two seemingly unrelated things to convey a deeper meaning. In this text, the speaker is comparing the person they address as "Beautiful Kareendi" to a flower, which serves as a metaphor for her beauty and delicacy. The use of this metaphor creates a vivid image in the reader's mind, and the combination of the words "flower of my heart" and "care of the address of your heart" adds an emotional and romantic tone to the language. Therefore, the aesthetic appeal of this seduction primarily emanates from the predominant use of metaphor.

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Aunty Nabou's subtle influence over young Nabou was developed and effected through family ties. In the novel, Aunty Nabou is the sister of Nabou's father and she takes in Nabou and her mother after Nabou's father takes a second wife. Aunty Nabou becomes a mentor and role model for Nabou, providing her with advice and guidance on how to navigate the challenges of being a young woman in a patriarchal society. Aunty Nabou's influence is not formal education, as she is not a teacher, nor is it oral education, as she does not teach Nabou traditional stories or history. Rather, her influence is based on the strong bond and relationship they share as family members.

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In the given extract from George Bernard Shaw's "Arms and the Man," Petkoff's grinning is a case of irony. Irony is a figure of speech where words are used in a way that their intended meaning is different from their literal meaning. In this case, Petkoff is grinning while asking Sergius to tell a story about being hidden by "two women," when in fact the "two women" are Petkoff's own daughter and wife. The irony lies in the fact that Petkoff is unaware of the true identity of the "two women" in the story, while the audience is aware of it, creating a sense of amusement and surprise.

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'The Fulani Creation Story' is a myth that explains how the world and its inhabitants came into being according to the Fulani people of West Africa. The story describes how the sky and earth were separated and how various natural features like rivers, mountains, and animals came into existence. In the story, a creator god named Ummu, who existed before anything else, is responsible for creating the world. Ummu's creation of the world is not portrayed as a chance happening or the result of a logical process, but rather as a deliberate act of divine will. Furthermore, the story tells us that death came into the world as a result of man's disobedience to Ummu. This implies that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between man's actions and the consequences that follow. Therefore, we can say that the correct option is "death came into the world when man set himself up as God's rival."

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According to Agostinho Neto's 'Night' in the selected poems, the problems that the black man faces today mostly stem from the lack of a clear sense of direction coupled with years of oppression that have weakened his will. This means that due to the history of oppression and lack of proper leadership, the black man has struggled to find a path forward, and this has weakened his resolve to overcome these challenges. The other options, such as superstition, skin color, and haste to catch up with the rest of the world, are not explicitly mentioned as the main cause of the problems facing the black man in the poem.

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In Wole Soyinka's play, The Lion and the Jewel, Lakunle is presented as a caricature of a modern educated man. He is depicted as someone who is eager to embrace Western culture and modernity, but also lacks a deep understanding of his own cultural traditions. Lakunle's attempts to modernize the village and impose his ideas on Sidi, the play's protagonist, are often comical and misguided. Despite his flaws, however, Lakunle serves an important function in the play by highlighting the clash between tradition and modernity, and the challenges of reconciling these two opposing forces in post-colonial African societies.

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In this passage, Ezeulu is pointing out the wisdom in cowardice to his son. He explains that while bravery is praiseworthy, sometimes it is better to be a coward. This is because when a brave man meets his downfall, he is left with nothing but ruins, while a coward is able to survive and continue living. Ezeulu warns his son not to be so focused on bravery that he ends up in ruins, but to sometimes choose the path of cowardice to ensure his survival. Therefore, the answer is "cowardice".

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The passage presents America as a place with unknown and uncertain qualities, where getting in is as hard as getting into heaven and one can't know whether they'll like it when they get there. Despite being tantalizing and alluring, the process of getting in involves waiting in long lines, being checked for visas and X-rayed for lung health, which creates an image of a place that is difficult to enter and bureaucratic. Furthermore, the mention of the heat does not necessarily imply that America is off-putting, but rather adds to the image of a place that is full of activity and energy.

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Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities, by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. Symbols add layers of meaning to a story, poem, or other creative work. They enable an author to deliver an idea or message within a narrative, a message on multiple levels.

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The lines from Odia Of Ofeimun's poem 'The Prodigals' express a lack of progress. The lines suggest that those who are being described have lost their sense of purpose or direction and have no plans or ambitions for the future. Their eyes are turned away from tomorrow, and they have no sense of mission to sustain them. This indicates that they are not making any progress and are stuck in the present or even the past, without any vision for the future. Therefore, the lines express a lack of progress and a sense of stagnation or inertia.

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Raina demonstrated that she had fallen in love with Captain Bluntschli by giving him her portrait with an inscription. At the end of their first meeting, Raina is fascinated by Captain Bluntschli, who is unlike any other man she has ever met. She is impressed by his practicality and his lack of sentimentality, and she finds herself drawn to him. When Captain Bluntschli is forced to leave quickly, Raina insists on giving him her photograph as a memento. The inscription on the photograph - "To my Chocolate Cream Soldier" - suggests that Raina has developed a romantic attraction to him, and that she sees him as someone who is sweet and comforting. This gesture demonstrates Raina's newfound interest in Captain Bluntschli, and sets the stage for their later romantic involvement.

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A statement whose meaning is contrary to that openly expressed is an example of irony. Irony occurs when there is a contrast between what is expected or intended and what actually happens or is said. In the case of a statement whose meaning is contrary to that openly expressed, there is a discrepancy between the literal meaning of the words and the actual intended meaning. There are different types of irony, such as situational irony (when the outcome of a situation is contrary to what is expected), verbal irony (when the speaker says something but means the opposite), and dramatic irony (when the audience knows something that the characters in a story do not). However, in all cases, irony involves a gap between what is expected or intended and what actually happens or is said. Overall, irony is a powerful literary device that can be used to create humor, emphasize a point, or reveal a deeper truth.

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The character referred to in this passage is pleased with himself after a good meal. The text suggests that he has finished reading a paper, had a second cup of coffee, and enjoyed a roll and butter. He then rises, shakes off some crumbs, expands his chest, and smiles happily, indicating his satisfaction with his good digestion.

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According to the passage, the 'Other Woman' is typically depicted as manipulative and predatory. The passage suggests that the stereotypical Other Woman is dishonest, deceitful, and skilled at trapping married men. However, the protagonist in the passage rejects this stereotype and refuses to play the role of the Other Woman. She is straightforward, honest, and not interested in being involved in a conventional love triangle. The passage is criticizing the way women are often portrayed in literature and society as being sneaky and manipulative in romantic relationships.

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In literary criticism, a casual reference to a figure or an event is regarded as an allusion. Allusion is a figure of speech that makes a reference to a person, place, event, or a literary work. It is a brief and indirect reference that is made to something without mentioning it explicitly. Allusions can be historical, mythological, or literary, and they can add depth, complexity, and richness to a literary work by connecting it to a broader cultural and historical context.

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The sequence of events is central to narrative fiction. A narrative fiction is a story that has a beginning, middle, and an end. The sequence of events or the plot is the backbone of the story. It refers to the events or actions that occur in a story and how they are arranged or ordered. The plot helps to move the story forward and keeps the reader engaged. Without a proper sequence of events, a story would lack structure, coherence and be confusing to the reader. Dialogue, objectivity, and subjectivity are also important elements in narrative fiction, but they are not as central as the sequence of events.

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In the lines from Wole Soyinka's play 'The Lion and the Jewel', the 'rhyming rabble' refers to the mummers who dance in mockery of the Bale's rumoured impotence. The lines suggest that the Bale risked his life to be a warrior-hunter for his people, but Sidi, the village belle, has betrayed him by selling him out to the mummers who make fun of him and his supposed impotence. The 'rhyming rabble' are a group of people who use poetry and dance to ridicule and humiliate the Bale. They are called the 'rhyming rabble' because they use rhyming verse in their performances. Therefore, the 'rhyming rabble' refers to the mummers who dance in mockery of the Bale's rumoured impotence.

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A paradox is a statement which seems self-contradictory or absurd, yet turns out to have a valid meaning. Paradoxes often involve a situation or statement that appears to be logically impossible or contradictory, but upon closer examination, reveals a deeper truth or meaning. Paradoxes can be used to create tension, provoke thought, and challenge the reader's or listener's assumptions. For example, the statement "less is more" is a paradox because it seems to contradict itself - how can less be more? However, the statement reveals a deeper truth about the value of simplicity and minimalism. Paradoxes can be found in literature, philosophy, and everyday life, and are a powerful tool for writers and thinkers to explore complex ideas and challenge conventional wisdom.

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In literature, a character who exists primarily to enhance, through contrast, the portrayal of the personal traits of another character is called a "foil". A foil is a character who is opposite in personality, behavior, or values to another character, typically the protagonist. The purpose of a foil is to highlight certain traits or qualities of the protagonist by showing them in a different light. By juxtaposing the protagonist and the foil, the author can emphasize the strengths or weaknesses of the protagonist and add depth to their characterization. For example, in Shakespeare's play "Hamlet", the character of Laertes is a foil to the protagonist Hamlet. Laertes is impulsive and quick to take action, whereas Hamlet is indecisive and hesitant. By comparing the two characters, Shakespeare highlights Hamlet's intellectual nature and the internal conflict he faces, while also emphasizing Laertes' rashness. Therefore, the answer is "foil".

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The basic idea of any given work of art is its theme. Theme refers to the underlying message or main idea that the author is trying to convey through their work. It is the central concept or issue that the author wants their audience to think about or reflect on after reading or experiencing their work. While style, tone, and imagery are all important elements of a work of art, they are used to support and enhance the theme, rather than being the main focus.

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The central theme of Wole Soyinka's play The Lion and the Jewel is the clash between tradition and modernity. The play presents a struggle between the old way of life represented by the village of Ilunjunle and the modern way of life represented by the city. It also explores the conflict between those who want to maintain tradition and those who want to embrace modernity. The play ultimately shows that both the old and the new have something to offer, and that progress must come through a synthesis of the two.