WAEC SSCE - Literature In English - 2005

Read the passage below and answer the question

Stella had to do her midweek shopping. There were four people before her in the queue. She watched the blond at the counter striking feverishly away at the numbers on the cold, light-flickering machine. There seemed to be a raging war between two mechanical contraptions, one, robot-like and the other stationary, but able to respond to the extent of punching, by sharp flickers of red light. It was an all consuming battle, as a swift hand positioned the price label of the ceaseless flow of item on the coneyor belt and the right delivered the punches. The intending owners were more unnoticed onlookers. Anyway, there is a belated recognition of them in ''thank you, call again balance sheet. '' It's all so mechanical, she thought. I mean, any creature-baboon, extraterrestial being or anything - could as well receive the same treatment as long as the conditions are met- ''bring to the counter, labelled items from the shelves.'' Where is the human touch? She wondered.

''Where is the human touch?'' conveys an impression of

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Read the extract below and answer the question

When it is paid, according to the tenor.
It doth appear you are a worthy judge,
You know the law, your exposition
Hath been most sound. I charge you by the law;....
Proceed to judgement;.....
(Act IV Scene On, lines 231 - 236)

The extract conveys a feeling of

Détails de la réponse

The extract conveys a feeling of confidence. The speaker is addressing a judge and praising their knowledge of the law, indicating that they trust the judge to make a fair and just judgement. The use of phrases like "worthy judge," "most sound," and "I charge you by the law" demonstrate a high level of confidence in the judge's abilities. Additionally, the request to "proceed to judgement" suggests a readiness to accept the judge's decision, further indicating a feeling of confidence in their judgement.

''Horrendous horrors haunted Helen's happiness'' illustrates

Détails de la réponse

The phrase "Horrendous horrors haunted Helen's happiness" illustrates alliteration. Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of two or more words in close proximity, such as the "h" sound in this phrase. Alliteration is often used in poetry and prose to create a musical or rhythmic effect, to emphasize certain words or ideas, or simply for aesthetic purposes. In this example, the use of alliteration also adds to the ominous and unsettling tone of the phrase, emphasizing the negative impact of the "horrendous horrors" on Helen's happiness.

Read the passage below and answer the question

Stella had to do her midweek shopping. There were four people before her in the queue. She watched the blond at the counter striking feverishly away at the numbers on the cold, light-flickering machine. There seemed to be a raging war between two mechanical contraptions, one, robot-like and the other stationary, but able to respond to the extent of punching, by sharp flickers of red light. It was an all consuming battle, as a swift hand positioned the price label of the ceaseless flow of item on the coneyor belt and the right delivered the punches. The intending owners were more unnoticed onlookers. Anyway, there is a belated recognition of them in ''thank you, call again balance sheet. '' It's all so mechanical, she thought. I mean, any creature-baboon, extraterrestial being or anything - could as well receive the same treatment as long as the conditions are met- ''bring to the counter, labelled items from the shelves.'' Where is the human touch? She wondered.

''.....a swift left hand....and the right hand delivered the punches'' illustrates

Détails de la réponse

The phrase "a swift left hand....and the right hand delivered the punches" illustrates parallelism. Parallelism is the repetition of similar grammatical structures or patterns within a sentence or a paragraph. In this case, the repetition of "left hand" and "right hand" creates a parallel structure, emphasizing the repetitive and mechanical nature of the checkout process.

Read the extract below and answer the question

.......'twere damnation
To think so base athough; it were too gross
To rib her cerecloth in the obscure grave; ―
Or shall I think in silver she's immured;
Being ten times undervalued to tried gold?
(Act 11 scene seven, lines 49 - 53)

The speaker is

Détails de la réponse

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: The Merchant of Venice

Read the extract below and answer the question

If I can catch him once upon the hip,
I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.
He hates our sacred nation, and he rails,
Even there where merchants most do congregate,
On me, my bargains, and my well-won thrift,
Which he calls interest;......
(Act 1 Scene Three, lines 39-)


The speaker is

Détails de la réponse

Read the extract below and answer the question

When it is paid, according to the tenor.
It doth appear you are a worthy judge,
You know the law, your exposition
Hath been most sound. I charge you by the law;....
Proceed to judgement;.....
(Act IV Scene On, lines 231 - 236)

''Your exposition'' refers to

Détails de la réponse

In the given extract, the phrase "Your exposition" refers to the judge's explanation or interpretation of the law. The speaker acknowledges the judge's legal knowledge and compliments their previous explanations, suggesting that they have a sound understanding of the law. Therefore, "Your exposition" refers to the judge's legal interpretation, which is crucial in the exercise of justice.

UNSEEN PROSE AND POETRY

Read the passage below and answer the question

Tell me not (sweet) I am unkinde,
That from the Nunnerie
of thy chaste breast and quiet minde,
To warre and Armes I flie.

True, a new Mistresse now I chase,
The first Foe in the field;
And with a stronger faith imbrace,
A Sword, a Horse, a Shield.
Yet this Inconstancy is such,
As you too shall adore;
I could not love thee (Deare) so much,
Lov'd I not Honour more.

The reference to ''......the Nunnerie of thy chaste breast'' suggests that the woman is being

Détails de la réponse

A device that reveals a discrepancy between appearance and reality is

Détails de la réponse

A device that reveals a discrepancy between appearance and reality is called "irony." Irony is a literary technique where words or situations are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from their literal or surface meaning. For example, verbal irony occurs when someone says something but means the opposite, often for humorous or sarcastic effect. Situational irony occurs when there is a contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually happens. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters in a story do not. Irony can be used to reveal a discrepancy between appearance and reality, as it often exposes the difference between what is said or expected and what actually occurs. This can create a sense of tension or humor in the reader or viewer and can be a powerful tool for conveying meaning and depth in literature and other forms of art. Therefore, the answer is: irony.

Read the passage below and answer the question

Stella had to do her midweek shopping. There were four people before her in the queue. She watched the blond at the counter striking feverishly away at the numbers on the cold, light-flickering machine. There seemed to be a raging war between two mechanical contraptions, one, robot-like and the other stationary, but able to respond to the extent of punching, by sharp flickers of red light. It was an all consuming battle, as a swift hand positioned the price label of the ceaseless flow of item on the coneyor belt and the right delivered the punches. The intending owners were more unnoticed onlookers. Anyway, there is a belated recognition of them in ''thank you, call again balance sheet. '' It's all so mechanical, she thought. I mean, any creature-baboon, extraterrestial being or anything - could as well receive the same treatment as long as the conditions are met- ''bring to the counter, labelled items from the shelves.'' Where is the human touch? She wondered.

The narrative technique used in the passage is

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Lines that usualling have a set pattern of metre and rhyme constitute

Détails de la réponse

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: The Merchant of Venice

Read the extract below and answer the question

If I can catch him once upon the hip,
I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.
He hates our sacred nation, and he rails,
Even there where merchants most do congregate,
On me, my bargains, and my well-won thrift,
Which he calls interest;......
(Act 1 Scene Three, lines 39-)


The extract is an example of

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Which of the following is a praise poem?

Détails de la réponse

A praise poem is a poem that celebrates or honors a person, an event, or an object. It is often used to express admiration, gratitude, or respect. Out of the given options, "Ode to the West Wind" is a praise poem. In this poem, the speaker addresses the wind as a powerful and transformative force of nature, praising its ability to inspire and renew the world. The poem celebrates the wind's ability to spread the seeds of new life and to bring change and transformation to the world. On the other hand, "Freetown," "Ulysses," and "Is my team ploughing?" are not praise poems. "Freetown" is a place name and not a poem. "Ulysses" is a dramatic monologue that follows the thoughts and experiences of the character Ulysses and "Is my team ploughing?" is a poem that explores themes of loss and death through a conversation between a dead man and his living friend. Therefore, the answer is: Ode to the West Wind.

Read the extract below and answer the question

Alack, what heinous sin is it in me
To be ashamed to be my father's child!
But though I am a daughter to his blood
I am not to his manners.....
(Act 11 Scene Three lines 15 - 18)

''I will feed fat the ancient gradge'' illustrates

Détails de la réponse

UNSEEN PROSE AND POETRY

Read the passage below and answer the question

Tell me not (sweet) I am unkinde,
That from the Nunnerie
of thy chaste breast and quiet minde,
To warre and Armes I flie.

True, a new Mistresse now I chase,
The first Foe in the field;
And with a stronger faith imbrace,
A Sword, a Horse, a Shield.
Yet this Inconstancy is such,
As you too shall adore;
I could not love thee (Deare) so much,
Lov'd I not Honour more.

The dominant device used is

Détails de la réponse

Read the extract below and answer the question

.......'twere damnation
To think so base athough; it were too gross
To rib her cerecloth in the obscure grave; ―
Or shall I think in silver she's immured;
Being ten times undervalued to tried gold?
(Act 11 scene seven, lines 49 - 53)

''Though'' in the extract implies

Détails de la réponse

Read the passage below and answer the question

Stella had to do her midweek shopping. There were four people before her in the queue. She watched the blond at the counter striking feverishly away at the numbers on the cold, light-flickering machine. There seemed to be a raging war between two mechanical contraptions, one, robot-like and the other stationary, but able to respond to the extent of punching, by sharp flickers of red light. It was an all consuming battle, as a swift hand positioned the price label of the ceaseless flow of item on the coneyor belt and the right delivered the punches. The intending owners were more unnoticed onlookers. Anyway, there is a belated recognition of them in ''thank you, call again balance sheet. '' It's all so mechanical, she thought. I mean, any creature-baboon, extraterrestial being or anything - could as well receive the same treatment as long as the conditions are met- ''bring to the counter, labelled items from the shelves.'' Where is the human touch? She wondered.

The dominant literary device used in the passage is

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The mood in ''Nothing so true as what you once let fall Most women have no characters at all'' is

Détails de la réponse

The mood in the phrase "Nothing so true as what you once let fall, Most women have no characters at all" is pessimistic. This sentence implies a negative view of women, suggesting that they lack individuality or a distinct personality. The speaker appears to be disheartened or cynical, believing that women are generally shallow or uninteresting. The word "true" suggests that the speaker has had personal experiences that have led them to this conclusion, and the phrase "once let fall" implies that this sentiment was revealed inadvertently or unintentionally. Overall, the mood conveyed is one of disappointment and disillusionment.

Poetry that avoids the use of regular metre is

Détails de la réponse

Poetry that avoids the use of regular meter is called "free verse." Meter refers to the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry, and regular meter means that the pattern repeats consistently throughout the poem. In contrast, free verse is characterized by a lack of a consistent meter or rhyme scheme. Free verse poets have the freedom to use any arrangement of words and syllables they choose, allowing them to create their own unique rhythm and emphasis within each line. This often results in a more natural and conversational tone in the poem, with a greater focus on the meaning and emotional impact of the words. Therefore, the answer is: free verse.

Which of the following poems is based on travel and adventure?

Détails de la réponse

The poem that is based on travel and adventure is "Ulysses." It is about the Greek hero Ulysses, who has returned from his long and arduous journey after the Trojan War, and is now restless and yearning for new adventures. He expresses his desire to set sail again, to explore new lands and meet new people. The poem is full of imagery related to travel and adventure, such as sailing, exploring, and experiencing new things. The other poems do not focus on travel and adventure in the same way.

Read the extract below and answer the question

Alack, what heinous sin is it in me
To be ashamed to be my father's child!
But though I am a daughter to his blood
I am not to his manners.....
(Act 11 Scene Three lines 15 - 18)

The extract is

Détails de la réponse

The extract is a soliloquy. A soliloquy is a literary device where a character speaks their thoughts out loud, often when they are alone or believe themselves to be alone. In this extract, the character is expressing her shame about being related to her father, who she believes does not have good manners. She is speaking to herself and the audience, rather than to any other characters on stage. Soliloquies are often used in drama to give the audience insight into a character's thoughts and feelings.

Read the extract below and answer the question

.......'twere damnation
To think so base athough; it were too gross
To rib her cerecloth in the obscure grave; ―
Or shall I think in silver she's immured;
Being ten times undervalued to tried gold?
(Act 11 scene seven, lines 49 - 53)

After this speech, the speaker

Détails de la réponse

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: The Merchant of Venice

Read the extract below and answer the question

If I can catch him once upon the hip,
I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.
He hates our sacred nation, and he rails,
Even there where merchants most do congregate,
On me, my bargains, and my well-won thrift,
Which he calls interest;......
(Act 1 Scene Three, lines 39-)



From the extract the speaker is

Détails de la réponse

UNSEEN PROSE AND POETRY

Read the passage below and answer the question

Tell me not (sweet) I am unkinde,
That from the Nunnerie
of thy chaste breast and quiet minde,
To warre and Armes I flie.

True, a new Mistresse now I chase,
The first Foe in the field;
And with a stronger faith imbrace,
A Sword, a Horse, a Shield.
Yet this Inconstancy is such,
As you too shall adore;
I could not love thee (Deare) so much,
Lov'd I not Honour more.

''Inconstancy'' in the poem implies that the

Détails de la réponse

Read the extract below and answer the question

Alack, what heinous sin is it in me
To be ashamed to be my father's child!
But though I am a daughter to his blood
I am not to his manners.....
(Act 11 Scene Three lines 15 - 18)

The speaker is

Détails de la réponse

The speaker in this extract is Jessica. Jessica is a character in William Shakespeare's play, The Merchant of Venice, and she is the daughter of the merchant Shylock. In this soliloquy, Jessica is expressing her shame about being related to her father and feeling like she does not share his manners. She is reflecting on her own identity and how it is separate from her father's, despite being related to him by blood.

A situation in which the audience knows more than the character does, is an instance of

Détails de la réponse

The situation where the audience knows more than the character does is an instance of dramatic irony. Dramatic irony is a literary device in which the audience or reader knows information that a character does not. This creates tension and suspense in the story, as the audience is aware of something important that the character is not. It can also be used for comedic effect, as the audience finds humor in the character's ignorance. In literature and drama, this technique can be used to reveal important plot twists or character insights to the audience before the characters in the story become aware of them.

Read the extract below and answer the question

Alack, what heinous sin is it in me
To be ashamed to be my father's child!
But though I am a daughter to his blood
I am not to his manners.....
(Act 11 Scene Three lines 15 - 18)

The speaker has been addressing

Détails de la réponse

Read the extract below and answer the question

.......'twere damnation
To think so base athough; it were too gross
To rib her cerecloth in the obscure grave; ―
Or shall I think in silver she's immured;
Being ten times undervalued to tried gold?
(Act 11 scene seven, lines 49 - 53)

The person referred to in the extract is

Détails de la réponse

The person referred to in the extract is Portia. In these lines, the speaker is contemplating whether it would be a sin to think of Portia's body being buried in the ground, as it would be too base a thought for someone of her worth. The speaker also considers the possibility that Portia's body has been buried in a silver casket, rather than a cheaper material like gold, which would be a reflection of her immense value.

UNSEEN PROSE AND POETRY

Read the passage below and answer the question

Tell me not (sweet) I am unkinde,
That from the Nunnerie
of thy chaste breast and quiet minde,
To warre and Armes I flie.

True, a new Mistresse now I chase,
The first Foe in the field;
And with a stronger faith imbrace,
A Sword, a Horse, a Shield.
Yet this Inconstancy is such,
As you too shall adore;
I could not love thee (Deare) so much,
Lov'd I not Honour more.

The rhyme pattern of the poem is

Détails de la réponse

The rhyme pattern of the poem is ABAB. In this pattern, the first and third lines of each stanza rhyme with each other, while the second and fourth lines rhyme with each other. For example, in the first stanza, "unkinde" and "minde" rhyme with each other, while "nunnerie" and "flie" rhyme with each other. This pattern continues throughout the poem, with each stanza consisting of four lines and following the ABAB rhyme scheme. Therefore, the rhyme pattern of the poem is ABAB.

He sits under the bough utters a loud cough, wipes his sweating brow and gives the dog a blow. The extract illustrates......rhyme

Détails de la réponse

The extract illustrates an example of a rhyme, where the words at the end of certain lines sound the same. In this case, the last word of the first line "bough" rhymes with the last word of the third line "blow". This type of rhyme is called an end rhyme because it occurs at the end of the lines.

In ''my finger click with a Snicker And, chuckling, they knuckle the key'' the dominant figure of speech used is

Détails de la réponse

The dominant figure of speech used in the given phrase is onomatopoeia. Onomatopoeia refers to a literary device where a word is used to imitate the sound of the object or action being described. In this phrase, the words "click," "snicker," and "knuckle" all imitate sounds that are associated with the actions being described. The use of onomatopoeia helps to create a vivid and sensory image in the reader's mind.

A narrative poem in the manner of oral folk tradition is

Détails de la réponse

A narrative poem in the manner of oral folk tradition is a ballad. Ballads are narrative poems that are typically passed down orally from one generation to another. They often tell stories of tragic events, historical figures, or folk heroes. Ballads are known for their simple language, repetition, and strong rhythm and are often set to music. They are often written in quatrains, which are stanzas consisting of four lines, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB. Overall, ballads are an important part of oral folk tradition and have been used to transmit stories and cultural values from one generation to another.

Pick the odd item from the options below

Détails de la réponse

The odd item from the options is Ballad. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using "like" or "as," while a metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two things by saying one thing is another thing. A synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to refer to the whole thing. A ballad, on the other hand, is a type of narrative poem or song that tells a story in a simple and direct way. While the other options are all figures of speech that are used in writing and speech to make comparisons or convey meaning in a more creative way, a ballad is a specific form of poetry or song. Therefore, ballad is the odd item in this group.

''Death be not proud'' illustrates

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Read the extract below and answer the question

When it is paid, according to the tenor.
It doth appear you are a worthy judge,
You know the law, your exposition
Hath been most sound. I charge you by the law;....
Proceed to judgement;.....
(Act IV Scene On, lines 231 - 236)

The speaker is

Détails de la réponse

The speaker in this passage is Shylock. He is speaking to the Duke of Venice and addressing the fact that the law is on his side in the dispute with Antonio. He is asking the Duke to proceed with judgement according to the law, as he believes he is entitled to the bond he made with Antonio.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: The Merchant of Venice

Read the extract below and answer the question

If I can catch him once upon the hip,
I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.
He hates our sacred nation, and he rails,
Even there where merchants most do congregate,
On me, my bargains, and my well-won thrift,
Which he calls interest;......
(Act 1 Scene Three, lines 39-)



''my well-won thrift'' is

Détails de la réponse

Pick the odd item from the options below

Détails de la réponse

The odd item from the given options is "Metre". Explanation: Plot, theme, subject are all related to literature, whereas metre is a term associated with poetry. Metre refers to the rhythmic structure of a poem, which is determined by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables in each line. On the other hand, plot refers to the events that make up the story, theme refers to the central idea or message conveyed by the story, and subject refers to the topic or content of the story. Therefore, since metre is not related to prose writing or storytelling, it is the odd item in this list.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: The Merchant of Venice

Read the extract below and answer the question

If I can catch him once upon the hip,
I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.
He hates our sacred nation, and he rails,
Even there where merchants most do congregate,
On me, my bargains, and my well-won thrift,
Which he calls interest;......
(Act 1 Scene Three, lines 39-)



The underlined expression illustrates

Détails de la réponse

The underlined expression, "catch him once upon the hip," illustrates a metaphor. In this context, the speaker is saying that if he can catch the person he bears a grudge against off-guard or vulnerable, he will take advantage of the situation to harm him. The metaphor compares the intended action of catching someone off-guard to catching them "upon the hip," which means to take someone by surprise or to find a weakness in their defense.

It runs through the reeds And away it proceeds, Through meadows and glade, In sun and in shade. The dominant device used in the above extract is

Détails de la réponse

UNSEEN PROSE AND POETRY

Read the passage below and answer the question

Tell me not (sweet) I am unkinde,
That from the Nunnerie
of thy chaste breast and quiet minde,
To warre and Armes I flie.

True, a new Mistresse now I chase,
The first Foe in the field;
And with a stronger faith imbrace,
A Sword, a Horse, a Shield.
Yet this Inconstancy is such,
As you too shall adore;
I could not love thee (Deare) so much,
Lov'd I not Honour more.

The theme of the poem is the pursuit of

Détails de la réponse

The theme of the poem is the pursuit of honour. The speaker declares that they are leaving the woman they love for the pursuit of war and arms, but it is not an act of unkindness. Instead, the pursuit of honour is the higher priority for the speaker. The last line of the poem sums it up, "I could not love thee (Deare) so much, Lov'd I not Honour more."

Read the extract below and answer the question

When it is paid, according to the tenor.
It doth appear you are a worthy judge,
You know the law, your exposition
Hath been most sound. I charge you by the law;....
Proceed to judgement;.....
(Act IV Scene On, lines 231 - 236)

A the end of the speech, the speaker

Détails de la réponse

Rhyming words

Détails de la réponse

Rhyming words are words that sound alike or have similar sounds, especially at the end of the word. When two or more words have the same ending sound, they are said to rhyme. Rhyming is often used in poetry, songs, and other forms of literature to create a pleasing and memorable sound pattern. For example, "cat" and "hat" rhyme because they both end with the "-at" sound. Rhyming words can help to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in language, making it more enjoyable to listen to and easier to remember.

Pick the odd item from the options below

Détails de la réponse

The odd item from the options is "Ode." All the other options are types of poems that are often associated with mourning, grief, and sorrow. - Elegy is a poem that mourns the death of a particular person or group of people. - Epitaph is a short poem or statement written on a tombstone or a grave marker, usually in memory of the deceased. - Dirge is a sad and mournful song or poem that is often associated with a funeral or a memorial service. On the other hand, an "Ode" is a type of poem that celebrates or praises a person, an event, an idea, or an object. It's usually written in a formal and elevated style and often has a structured form. Therefore, it's different from the other options, which are focused on lamentation and grief.

Read the passage below and answer the question

Stella had to do her midweek shopping. There were four people before her in the queue. She watched the blond at the counter striking feverishly away at the numbers on the cold, light-flickering machine. There seemed to be a raging war between two mechanical contraptions, one, robot-like and the other stationary, but able to respond to the extent of punching, by sharp flickers of red light. It was an all consuming battle, as a swift hand positioned the price label of the ceaseless flow of item on the coneyor belt and the right delivered the punches. The intending owners were more unnoticed onlookers. Anyway, there is a belated recognition of them in ''thank you, call again balance sheet. '' It's all so mechanical, she thought. I mean, any creature-baboon, extraterrestial being or anything - could as well receive the same treatment as long as the conditions are met- ''bring to the counter, labelled items from the shelves.'' Where is the human touch? She wondered.

The dominant mood in the passage is one of

Détails de la réponse

Read the extract below and answer the question

.......'twere damnation
To think so base athough; it were too gross
To rib her cerecloth in the obscure grave; ―
Or shall I think in silver she's immured;
Being ten times undervalued to tried gold?
(Act 11 scene seven, lines 49 - 53)

'' Being ten times undervalued to try gold?'' reveals the speaker's

Détails de la réponse

The metrical pattern in, ''In mist or cloud, On mast or shroud'' is

Détails de la réponse

Read the extract below and answer the question

Alack, what heinous sin is it in me
To be ashamed to be my father's child!
But though I am a daughter to his blood
I am not to his manners.....
(Act 11 Scene Three lines 15 - 18)

The speaker is in love with

Détails de la réponse

Read the extract below and answer the question

When it is paid, according to the tenor.
It doth appear you are a worthy judge,
You know the law, your exposition
Hath been most sound. I charge you by the law;....
Proceed to judgement;.....
(Act IV Scene On, lines 231 - 236)

The person addressed is

Détails de la réponse

The person addressed in the given extract is Portia. In the excerpt, the speaker acknowledges Portia as a worthy judge who knows the law well and has provided a sound explanation. The speaker then charges Portia to proceed with judgment according to the law. As Portia is being addressed with such respect and given the responsibility to pass judgment, it can be inferred that she is a person of authority in the given context. Therefore, the correct answer is option C, Portia.