JAMB UTME - Literature In English - 2023

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

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

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A 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 term given to a type of incident or device which recurs frequently in literature is **motif**. A motif is a recurring element or idea that appears throughout a piece of literature, such as a symbol, theme, or character trait. It can be a symbol that represents a particular concept or theme, a recurring theme that is explored in different ways, or a recurring character trait that appears in multiple characters. Motifs can serve various purposes in literature. They can enhance the overall meaning and depth of a story by adding depth and complexity. They can also help to create unity and coherence in a work, connecting different parts of the story together. Additionally, motifs can provide insights into the author's intentions, beliefs, or themes. For example, in William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, the motif of blood appears throughout the story. Blood represents guilt, violence, and the consequences of immoral actions. This motif is used to convey the ongoing guilt and psychological impact that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth experience after they commit the murder of King Duncan. In conclusion, a motif is a recurring incident or device that adds meaning, coherence, and depth to a piece of literature.

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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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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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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 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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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 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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The effect of the trees sighing in this verse is to indicate that the bird is carefree. The phrase "the trade winds soft through the sighing trees" suggests that the bird is in a peaceful and serene environment where the trees are gently rustling and making soft sounds. This creates an atmosphere of tranquility and freedom for the bird. The sighing of the trees also symbolizes a sense of contentment and harmony in nature. Overall, this imagery portrays the bird as being unconstrained and able to fully enjoy its freedom.

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The given lines, "I had not taken the first step in knowledge, I had not learnt to let go with the hands" is an example of Repetition. Repetition refers to the act of repeating certain words or phrases within a sentence or paragraph for emphasis or to create a specific effect. In this case, the repetition of the phrase "I had not" emphasizes the speaker's lack of progress or action in acquiring knowledge and learning. This repetition helps to convey the speaker's frustration or regret over their inaction.

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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 passage reveals that Jibunoh symbolizes **lawlessness**. This is evident from the various actions and behavior mentioned about Jibunoh. He was hated by all his neighbors and deserted by his relations, indicating that he did not follow societal norms or adhere to proper conduct. He was the first and only person to beat a policeman, showing a lack of respect for authority and breaking the law. Additionally, he had ten cases instituted against him for stealing or violating the rights of others, further highlighting his disregard for the law and the rights of others. The passage also mentions that Jibunoh had no regard for decency or normal conduct, and that no lover of peace or order could be his friend. Finally, his death elicited jubilation instead of mourning, indicating that his presence and actions were not seen as positive or beneficial by those around him. Overall, Jibunoh's character represents lawlessness in the passage.

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

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

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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 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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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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In the passage above, the speaker can be described as **domineering**. The speaker's actions and words suggest that they have a strong and controlling personality. They want the other person to hurry up and get dressed, showing a sense of authority. The speaker also mentions having a lot of things to do, implying that their priorities are more important than the other person's. Additionally, the speaker slaps the bed in frustration, which further emphasizes their dominant and forceful nature.

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

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

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

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

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Parallelism is a literary device that uses the same grammatical structure in all parts of a sentence. In the passage, the speaker asks a series of questions that follow the same structure, which is a clear example of parallelism. Onomatopoeia refers to words that imitate the natural sounds of a thing. Metaphor is a figure of speech that makes an implicit, implied, or hidden comparison between two things that are unrelated, but share some common characteristics. Simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between two different things.

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

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

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The dominant poetic device in the excerpt is imagery. Imagery is when language is used to create vivid mental images or sensory experiences in the reader's mind. In this excerpt, the use of descriptive language like "Where light pushes through", "A sudden turning upon itself of a thing in the air", and "A dip to the water" appeals to the reader's senses and helps them visualize and experience the scene being described. The line "And you think: 'The swallows are flying so late!'" also contributes to the imagery as it evokes the image of swallows flying and creates a sense of surprise or wonder in the reader's mind. Therefore, the dominant poetic device in this excerpt is imagery as it uses descriptive language to create vivid images and sensory experiences.

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