WAEC SSCE - Literature In English - 2020

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The answer is "epigram". An epigram is a short, witty poem or statement that often has a surprising or sarcastic ending. It is meant to be clever and to make the reader think. The ending of an epigram often turns the meaning of the poem or statement on its head, using irony or satire to make a point or to poke fun at something. In contrast, a ballad is a narrative poem that tells a story, an allegory is a story or poem that uses characters or events to represent abstract ideas, and a panegyric is a poem that praises someone or something.

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The sentence "The big boulder blasted the house" illustrates alliteration. Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. In this sentence, the "b" sound is repeated in the words "big," "boulder," and "blasted." This repetition of the "b" sound creates a rhythmic effect and emphasizes the impact of the boulder on the house.

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The theme of the poem is the poet's yearning for happier times gone. The poem is about memories that come back to the poet in the quiet moments before sleep, memories of his youth that are bittersweet. The smiles and tears of boyhood years, the words of love spoken then, and the eyes that shone are all memories that the poet recalls with fondness. However, the poet also recognizes that these memories are gone and that the cheerful hearts of the past are now broken. The repetition of the phrase "Oft in the stilly night" at the beginning and end of the poem emphasizes the poet's longing for the past and his desire to relive those happy moments. Overall, the theme of the poem is a nostalgic yearning for happier times that have passed.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

The fictional prose that is neither a novel nor a short story is called a novella. A novella is a work of fiction that is longer than a short story but shorter than a novel. It usually has a more focused plot and character development than a short story, but it's not as complex as a novel. Novellas often explore a single theme or idea in-depth, and they can be read in one sitting. Examples of famous novellas include "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad, "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck, and "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka.

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The statement "Students rarely read Julius Caesar these days" illustrates a phenomenon called eponym. Eponyms are words that are derived from a person's name, and in this case, Julius Caesar is the eponym. The reason for students not reading Julius Caesar could be due to a variety of factors, such as changes in the curriculum, shifting interests of students, or advancements in technology. However, the statement itself only serves as an example of eponym, not the reasons behind it. To further clarify, caesura refers to a pause or break in a line of poetry, oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms, and zeugma is a rhetorical device in which a single word is used to modify or govern two or more words in a sentence in different ways.

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Comic relief usually occurs in tragedies. Tragedies are dramatic plays that typically depict serious and often fatal events, such as the downfall of a tragic hero or a devastating disaster. To alleviate the tension and provide a momentary break from the intense emotions, playwrights may insert humorous scenes or characters. This is called comic relief. For example, in Shakespeare's tragedy "Hamlet," the gravediggers scene provides a moment of comic relief as they engage in witty banter while digging graves. Another example is the character of the Porter in "Macbeth," who provides a humorous monologue that lightens the mood after the dark and intense murder of King Duncan.

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The expression "million voices" is used as a hyperbole. Hyperbole is a figure of speech that exaggerates or overstates something for emphasis or effect. In this case, "million voices" is used to suggest that there are a large number of people expressing their opinions, ideas or concerns. It is not meant to be taken literally as a million people, but rather as a way to emphasize the significance of the collective voice of many people. Other examples of hyperbole include "I've told you a million times" and "It's so hot, you could fry an egg on the sidewalk."

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The speaker in the given extract is Iago. Iago is addressing Brabantio, who is the father of Desdemona, and informing him that his daughter has eloped with Othello, a black man. Iago uses crude and vulgar language to awaken Brabantio from his sleep and accuse him of being robbed of his daughter. He says that an old black ram (Othello) is having sexual intercourse with Brabantio's white ewe (Desdemona), which is a derogatory way of describing their union. Iago urges Brabantio to wake up the citizens with the bell and prevent Othello from taking away his daughter, or else he will become a grandfather to a child born out of wedlock.

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Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

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Condensed use of language is a dominant feature of poetry. Poetry often uses compact and concise language to create a particular mood, rhythm, or rhyme. This helps convey the poet's message in a powerful and memorable way. In poetry, every word and syllable is carefully chosen to create a specific effect, making it an art form that values conciseness and economy of language.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

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After this dialogue, Emilia realizes her culpability. This means that she becomes aware of her role in a particular situation, and feels a sense of responsibility or guilt for what has happened. It's similar to feeling guilty for something you did wrong.

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Ascribing human moods to nature, as in a playful-breeze illustrates the literary device known as "pathetic fallacy". Pathetic fallacy is a type of personification in which human emotions, traits or behaviors are attributed to inanimate objects or natural phenomena. It is a way for authors to create a more vivid and emotional portrayal of the natural world. In the example given, the "playful" mood is attributed to the breeze, which is an example of pathetic fallacy because the breeze does not have the ability to feel or express emotions like a human would.

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The phrase "so good a commander" refers to Othello. In this extract, the speaker is expressing their disgust and frustration towards Cassio, who they believe has behaved inappropriately while under the influence of alcohol. The speaker would rather be disliked by Othello than deceive him by covering up Cassio's behavior. This suggests that Othello is a good and honorable leader whom the speaker respects and does not want to disappoint.

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The situation where an audience knows something that a character in a story or play doesn't know is called dramatic irony. It creates a sense of tension and anticipation in the audience, as they wait to see how the character will react when they eventually discover the truth. This technique is often used in literature, film, and theater to engage the audience and create a deeper understanding of the story. For example, in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," the audience knows that Juliet has faked her death, but Romeo does not. This creates a dramatic and emotional moment when Romeo kills himself because he believes that Juliet is truly dead.

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The poet refers to memory as being "fond" and "sad" because it brings both "smiles" and "tears." This means that the poet's memories bring up happy moments from the past, but also bring up sadness because those moments are now gone and the people and experiences associated with them are no longer present. The poet is saying that the memories are both fond and sad because they bring back good times but also remind the poet of what has been lost.

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The end of a performance is typically followed by a curtain call, which is when the performers come back on stage to receive applause and recognition from the audience. The curtain call is a tradition in many forms of live entertainment, including theater, dance, and music. It gives the performers a chance to take a bow and express their gratitude to the audience for attending the performance. In some cases, the director or producer may also come on stage to acknowledge the performers and thank the audience for their support. A curtain raiser, on the other hand, is a short performance that precedes the main act, while an interlude is a short break between acts. An epilogue is a concluding section or speech that follows the main part of a performance or play, often providing closure or a final thought.

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In literature, the term poetic justice applies to the rewarding of good characters and the punishing of bad ones. Poetic justice is a literary device in which virtue is rewarded and vice is punished in a fitting or appropriate manner. It is a way to ensure that the right people get what they deserve in a story, often at the end of the plot. Poetic justice can help to create a satisfying and meaningful resolution to a story, as readers see the good characters triumph and the bad characters get their comeuppance. This concept is often used in dramas and tragedies, where the audience's emotions are engaged by the actions and fates of the characters.

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The phrase "hands and feet" in line 4 illustrates synecdoche. Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to refer to the whole or vice versa. In this case, "hands and feet" represent the entire body of the speaker or subject. By using these parts to refer to the whole body, the speaker is using synecdoche to create a vivid and memorable image in the reader's mind.

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The speaker is Cassio. In this passage, Cassio is expressing his regret for getting drunk and behaving foolishly. He is ashamed that he disappointed his commander, Othello, and is willing to accept any punishment, even if it means being despised by others. Cassio is also cursing alcohol, personifying it as an "invisible spirit" or devil that causes people to behave recklessly.

Akọwa Nkọwa

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The underlined expression implies an attitude of racism. The speaker is referring to a black ram mating with a white ewe, which is being used as a metaphor for a black man having sexual intercourse with a white woman. The language used is derogatory and shows a clear bias against black people. This type of attitude, which is based on prejudice and discrimination against people based on their race, is considered racist.

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The sudden reversal of a character's fortune in a literary work is called "peripeteia." This refers to a change in a character's circumstances, typically from good to bad, that affects the outcome of the story. It can be a plot twist or a dramatic turn of events that alters the character's fate. Peripeteia creates tension and drama in a story by adding unexpected twists and turns to the plot.

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The expression "His pen was like the breath of life" exemplifies a simile. A simile is a figure of speech that uses "like" or "as" to compare two things and create a vivid image in the reader's mind. In this case, the comparison is between the pen and the breath of life, suggesting that the pen is something that brings life and energy to the person who uses it. The comparison creates an image of the pen as a powerful tool that has a significant impact on the person's life.

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Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

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The speaker is Emilia. Emilia is responding to Othello's questioning of where Desdemona's handkerchief is. In this extract, Emilia reveals that she found the handkerchief and gave it to her husband, Iago. She explains that Iago had asked her to steal it, but she did not know why he wanted it. Emilia's words provide an important clue to Othello about Iago's manipulation and deceit.

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The underlined expression exemplifies apostrophe. An apostrophe is a figure of speech in which the speaker addresses a person, thing, or idea that is not present or is unable to respond. In this case, the speaker is addressing an invisible spirit of wine, which is personified as if it were a living entity. The speaker is expressing disgust and frustration with the effects of alcohol on a particular officer, and is using the apostrophe to indirectly address the officer's behavior through the spirit of wine. The speaker refers to the spirit of wine as "devil", which is also an example of personification. Overall, the use of apostrophe in this passage adds emphasis and emotion to the speaker's words, and helps to create a vivid image of the officer's drunken behavior.

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5. Mrs. Johnson: Mrs. Johnson, the nosy neighbor of the Younger family, plays a significant role in the development of the plot in "A Raisin in the Sun." She serves as a foil to the Younger family, highlighting the cultural differences between them and other African Americans. Her presence and commentary on the Youngers' plans for their new home and life in a white neighborhood add tension to the play's already complex themes of racism, identity, and the American Dream.


Mrs. Johnson also serves to emphasize the generational divide between the Youngers and the older, more conservative African American community. Her skepticism towards the Youngers' plans to use the insurance money to move to a better neighborhood reflects the reservations of many in the older generation who believed that black people should accept their limited social status and not try to rise above it.

6. Walter's expectations: Walter's expectations in the play are shaped by his frustration with his current circumstances and his desire to improve his family's social and economic standing. As an African American man in 1950s America, Walter faces many obstacles to achieving his goals, including racism and economic inequality.


Walter sees the insurance money from his father's death as a way to fulfill his dreams and aspirations. He wants to invest the money in a business venture, which he believes will provide financial security and a sense of pride and purpose. He is tired of working as a chauffeur and wants to be his own boss, to prove to himself and others that he is capable of achieving success.


Walter's expectations also reflect his belief in the American Dream, the idea that hard work and determination can lead to social mobility and a better life. He sees the move to a better neighborhood as a way to escape the poverty and oppression of his current surroundings and provide a better life for his family.


However, Walter's expectations are not shared by everyone in his family, and his single-minded pursuit of his goals leads to conflict and tension within the family. Ultimately, Walter learns that success and happiness cannot be achieved through money alone and that the love and support of family are more important than material wealth.

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3. Ogeyi in "Harvest of Corruption" is portrayed as a deeply religious person who values honesty and integrity. She refuses to accept bribes or engage in corrupt activities, even if it means losing her job or going against her superiors. Her faith is a driving force in her life and she uses it as a guide to make decisions that align with her moral beliefs. Despite facing ridicule and opposition from those around her, Ogeyi remains steadfast in her convictions and serves as a symbol of hope in a corrupt society.

4. The downfall of Chief in "Harvest of Corruption" can be attributed to his greed and abuse of power. As a high-ranking government official, Chief has access to resources and opportunities for personal gain, which he uses to enrich himself at the expense of others. He engages in corrupt activities such as bribery, embezzlement, and money laundering, which eventually catch up to him. His downfall is a result of his own actions and the consequences of his corrupt behavior. The play serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of accountability and transparency in government.

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9. The diction in Adeoti's Ambush conveys the theme of war and violence. The poet uses words and phrases that depict the brutal nature of war, such as "blood", "gunshot", "shrapnel", "warriors", and "death". These words create a sense of urgency and danger that emphasize the destructive power of war. The poem also uses metaphorical language, such as "trees wilted in the path of war", to further emphasize the destructive impact of war on nature and human life. The diction in the poem thus effectively conveys the theme of the devastating effects of war.

10. The theme of accommodation in The Anvil and the Hammer is about the need for people from different cultural backgrounds to live in harmony and respect each other's beliefs and practices. The poem depicts the story of two blacksmiths from different ethnic groups who learn to work together and appreciate each other's strengths. Through their collaboration, they create beautiful and functional tools that benefit their community. The poem emphasizes the importance of cooperation and respect for diversity in achieving common goals. The theme of accommodation is therefore about the need to embrace differences and work together to create a better world.

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1. In "The Blood of a Stranger," Kindo and his father are portrayed as having different personalities and approaches to life. Kindo is depicted as being intelligent, compassionate, and idealistic, while his father is portrayed as being more traditional and conservative. Kindo is shown as being more open to new ideas and willing to fight for what he believes in, while his father is more content to stick with the status quo. This contrast between the two characters highlights the themes of tradition versus progress and the conflict between generations.

2. Wara encounters Soko in the play on several occasions. Soko is a witch doctor who is believed to have the power to cure people of their illnesses. Wara is initially skeptical of Soko's abilities and is afraid of him. However, as the play progresses, Wara begins to see Soko in a different light and eventually becomes one of his strongest supporters. This change in Wara's attitude towards Soko highlights the themes of superstition and the power of belief. Wara's encounters with Soko also show how people can be swayed by charismatic leaders and how the power of belief can have a profound impact on individuals and communities.

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7. The relationship between fathers and their children in "The Castle of Otranto" is complex and often fraught with tension. In the novel, fathers are portrayed as being overbearing and controlling, with a strong desire to maintain their family's power and status. This often leads them to make decisions that are not in the best interests of their children. For example, Manfred is willing to sacrifice his own son to maintain control of the castle, while Frederic's father refuses to let him marry the woman he loves. These actions ultimately lead to tragic consequences for both fathers and their children.

8. "The Castle of Otranto" is known for its use of ghosts and supernatural elements, which play a significant role in the story. The presence of ghosts and spirits in the novel is meant to create an atmosphere of fear and suspense. These supernatural elements also serve to highlight the underlying themes of guilt and redemption, as characters are haunted by their past actions. For example, the ghost of Alfonso appears to Manfred as a reminder of his cruel treatment of his wife and his role in Alfonso's death. The ghostly presence of Isabella also serves to reveal the truth about her murder and to bring justice to the story. Overall, the ghosts and spirits in the novel serve both as a source of terror and as a means of revealing hidden truths and resolving the conflicts of the story.

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5. In Native Son by Richard Wright, Bigger's last moments with Max are significant because Max is the first white man who has treated Bigger as an equal and defended him in court. Max understands Bigger's actions and motives, and he tries to help him see that he is not alone and that he can still make a difference. In their last conversation, Max urges Bigger to take responsibility for his actions and to resist the urge to give up. Max's presence and guidance provide Bigger with a sense of hope and understanding that he has not experienced before.

6. In Native Son by Richard Wright, Bigger's visits to Bessie are fraught with tension and uncertainty. Bigger is torn between his love for Bessie and his fear of getting caught for his crimes. Bessie represents a connection to his past and to his family, but she is also a liability and a reminder of his guilt. Bigger's visits to Bessie highlight the conflicting emotions and desires that he experiences throughout the novel. Bessie's fate also underscores the harsh realities of racism and oppression in society, as she is punished for her association with Bigger and for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Overall, Bigger's visits to Bessie serve as a reminder of the complex and often tragic consequences of his actions.

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11. In "The Pulley" by George Herbert, God reasons that if he gives humans all of his blessings at once, they will become too content and forget about him. Therefore, he holds back one blessing: restlessness. This restlessness will lead humans to strive for more and seek God, ultimately bringing them closer to him.

12. In "The Schgolboyt" by James Berry, the image of a caged bird represents the boy's experiences of feeling trapped and confined in his school environment. The boy longs to break free and spread his wings, but he is held back by the rules and expectations of the school. Like the bird in the cage, the boy feels powerless and yearns for freedom. The imagery of the caged bird helps to convey the boy's feelings of frustration and confinement.

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1. Fofo's visit to Maa Tsuru is a turning point in the novel "Faceless". It reveals the deep-rooted societal issues that affect vulnerable young girls in Ghana. During her visit, Fofo discovers that Maa Tsuru, a street beggar, is the mother of Baby T, a young girl who was found dead in a refuse dump. Fofo learns about the horrific circumstances that led to Baby T's death, including abuse and neglect. This visit motivates Fofo to investigate Baby T's death and find justice for her.

2. Men are portrayed as oppressors of women in the novel "Faceless" to a great extent. The male characters in the book are often shown to be abusive, violent, and exploitative towards the female characters. For example, Poison, the leader of the street children, is depicted as a ruthless and manipulative pimp who controls and exploits young girls. Kwei, a male character who is romantically involved with Fofo, is also shown to be controlling and physically abusive towards her. Additionally, the police officers who are supposed to protect the vulnerable girls in the story are shown to be corrupt and willing to exploit them for personal gain. This portrayal of men as oppressors highlights the systemic issues of gender inequality and violence against women in Ghanaian society.

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7. Marlow and Hastings' first encounter with Mr. Hardcastle in "She Stoops to Conquer" is an interesting one. They mistake him for an innkeeper and speak to him in a condescending and rude manner, expecting him to be subservient. However, Mr. Hardcastle quickly reveals his true identity as the owner of the house they are meant to be visiting and their host for the evening. This sudden change in power dynamics catches Marlow and Hastings off guard and sets the tone for the rest of their interactions with the Hardcastle family.

8. Tony's attitude towards Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle is one of contempt and disrespect. He enjoys mocking and tricking them, often playing pranks and causing chaos for his own amusement. However, despite his mischievous behavior, Tony ultimately cares for his family and wants them to be happy. His actions towards his parents may seem cruel at times, but they are ultimately done out of love and a desire to bring some excitement into their lives.

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3. In the novel "Lonely Days," Alani is portrayed as rejecting his ancestry by rejecting the traditional customs and beliefs of his culture. He is depicted as being more interested in modern Western ways of thinking and living. For example, he is shown as being critical of the traditional beliefs of his community and as wanting to adopt a more Westernized lifestyle. This rejection of his ancestry highlights the themes of cultural identity and the conflict between tradition and modernity.

4. In the novel, Yaremi encounters three windows that offer her advice. The first window represents the past and advises Yaremi to embrace her cultural heritage and traditions. The second window represents the present and tells Yaremi to live in the moment and not worry about the future. The third window represents the future and tells Yaremi to plan for the future and work towards her goals. These different perspectives offer Yaremi a range of advice and highlight the importance of considering different viewpoints. The advice of the three windows also touches on themes of cultural identity, time, and personal growth.