JAMB UTME - Literature In English - 2023

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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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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 exclusive right given to authors to protect their works from unlawful production is **a copyright**. A copyright is a legal protection that gives authors the exclusive rights to their creative works. It grants them the authority to control how their works are used, reproduced, distributed, and displayed. This means that others cannot copy or use their works without permission. The purpose of copyright is to incentivize creativity and intellectual property by allowing authors to benefit financially from their works. It gives them the ability to control and profit from their creations, which encourages innovation and cultural development. Copyright protection is granted automatically to authors as soon as they create their original work, such as writings, music, art, or software. However, authors can choose to formally register their copyright to strengthen their legal rights and provide proof of ownership in case of infringement. In summary, a copyright is the exclusive right given to authors to protect their works from unlawful production. It allows authors to have control over how their works are used and enables them to receive recognition and compensation for their creations.

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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.

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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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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 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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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.

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The excerpt smacks of plenteous exaggerations(hyperbole), and a once-upon-a time reference (allusions).

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The use of the word 'crown' in this context is a good example of synecdoche, a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa. Here, 'crown' is used to represent power or leadership, which is a part of the whole concept of being a king or ruler.

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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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Oxymoron is a rhetorical term that describes words or phrases that, when placed together, create paradoxes or contradictions. These contradictions seem foolish but, when we think about them a bit, often turn out to be sharp observations about our world.

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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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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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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 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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The dominant device in the excerpt from 'The Journey of the Magi' is synecdoche. Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa. In this case, 'night-fires going out' and 'lack of shelters' are used to represent the overall hardships and difficulties of the journey. The device is not paradox, metaphor, or simile, as there is no contradiction, comparison, or likeness being expressed.

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The tragic character is the person whose experiences arouse pity and **sympathy**. When we say that a character is tragic, it means that they face great adversity or misfortune in their life. This could be due to their own actions or because of circumstances beyond their control. As we witness their struggles and challenges, we feel a deep sense of empathy and sorrow for them. We can relate to their pain and suffering, and we hope for a positive resolution to their situation. The tragic character's plight evokes strong emotions of sympathy and compassion in us as we watch their story unfold.

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In a play, the term "cast" refers to all the actors who have been selected to perform in the production. It includes **all the actors** who will be portraying the different characters and bringing the story to life on stage. The cast may consist of **three actors**, **a few actors**, or even more, depending on the requirements of the play. So, the correct answer is **d) all the actors**.

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

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

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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.

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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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Anaphora refers to the repetition of certain words or phrase at the begining of each sentence or line in a poem

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The phrase 'To fly flags of joy' contains two figures of speech: metaphor and alliteration. 'To fly flags' is a metaphor for expressing joy, while 'flags of joy' is an example of alliteration due to the repetition of the 'f' sound.

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Lineation refers to the arrangement of lines in verse form. In poetry, lines are grouped together to form stanzas and each line plays a crucial role in the overall structure and flow of the poem. Each line serves as a unit of rhythm and contributes to the overall meaning and aesthetic of the poem. Lineation helps to create a visual and rhythmic pattern, guiding the reader's interpretation and understanding of the poem. It is important to note that lineation is not related to tracing family descent of people in verse.

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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 subject matter of a literary work refers to the main topic or idea that the work explores. It is the overarching theme or concept that the author wants to convey through their writing. While all the options mentioned (theme, plot, structure, and setting) are important elements in a literary work, the subject matter specifically refers to the deeper meaning or message that the author wants to communicate to the reader.
Theme: The theme of a literary work is the central idea or message that the author is trying to convey. It is the underlying meaning or moral of the story. For example, the theme of a novel could be love, friendship, or the struggle between good and evil.
Plot: The plot of a literary work refers to the sequence of events and actions that occur in the story. It includes the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. While the plot helps to develop the subject matter, it is not the actual subject matter itself.
Structure: The structure of a literary work refers to how the story is organized and presented. It includes elements such as the narrative style, point of view, and use of flashbacks or foreshadowing. The structure can enhance the delivery of the subject matter, but it is not the subject matter in itself.
Setting: The setting of a literary work refers to the time, place, and environment in which the story takes place. While the setting can contribute to the overall mood and tone of the work, it is not the subject matter. The subject matter may be explored within a specific setting, but it goes beyond just the physical or temporal backdrop of the story.
In summary, while all the options mentioned play a role in a literary work, the subject matter is the central topic or idea that the author intends to convey to the reader. It is the deeper meaning or message that the work explores.

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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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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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When an object is invested with a meaning beyond its immediate reference, it becomes a symbol. A symbol is a representation of something else, often an abstract concept or idea. It goes beyond its literal meaning and carries a deeper significance. Symbols can be objects, actions, or even words that evoke a particular meaning or feeling. They are powerful tools used in literature, art, and communication to convey complex ideas in a more accessible and impactful way. Symbols allow us to communicate and understand concepts that may be difficult to express directly. They add depth and richness to our understanding of the world and can evoke strong emotions and associations.

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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 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 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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Rhyme scheme is the best answer. The semblance of sound and patternised movement or flow of the words in the excerpt above makes rhyme scheme the predominant literary figure there.

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Soyinka's "The Lion and the Jewel" is culturally set primarily through its use of dance and songs.

In the play, dance and songs are integral parts of the Yoruba culture and are frequently employed by the characters to express their emotions, convey messages, and celebrate significant events. These cultural elements provide a vivid depiction of the rich traditions and customs of the Yoruba people.

The characters in the play often engage in traditional dance performances, such as the "ewu" dance. These dances are not only entertaining but also serve as a way to showcase the cultural heritage and values of the Yoruba people. The rhythmic movements and musical accompaniment create a vibrant atmosphere that immerses the audience in the cultural setting.

Additionally, songs are used extensively throughout the play to express various emotions, tell stories, and convey moral lessons. The characters sing traditional folk songs, chants, and war cries, which contribute to the cultural authenticity of the setting.

By incorporating dance and songs into the narrative, Soyinka effectively captures the essence of Yoruba culture and helps the audience understand and appreciate the unique customs and traditions of the characters. The use of dance and songs enhances the cultural backdrop of the play and immerses the audience in the vibrant world of the Yoruba people.

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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 plot of the novel is linear; Events in the novel succeed into one another in one to one correspondence right from the point to exposition to climax to anti-climax to denouement.