JAMB UTME - Literature In English - 2019

The most dominant poetic device used in Okara's 'Panio and Drums' is_______

Maelezo ya Majibu

The most dominant poetic device used in Okara's 'Piano and Drums' is "symbolism." Symbolism is a literary device that uses symbols to represent ideas or qualities beyond their literal meaning. In the poem, the piano and the drums represent two different cultures - the Western and the African - and the conflict between them. The piano symbolizes Western culture, which is associated with order, control, and civilization, while the drums represent African culture, which is associated with rhythm, passion, and tradition. Through this symbolism, the poem explores the speaker's struggle to reconcile his African heritage with the influence of Western culture.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The story was told by an outsider who knows the storyline aforetime, It is told from the third person/ Omniscient point of view it was not told by any character in the novel. 

Use the extract below to answer questions

Line 1: My heart leaps up when I behold
Line 2: A rainbow in the sky
Line 3: so was it when my life began
Line 4: so is it now
Line 5: so is it when I have grown
Line 6: the child is the father of the man.

The rhyme scheme of the poem is_________

Maelezo ya Majibu

A diligent tracing of the rhyme pattern in the excerpt above will result into the 'abcacc' scheme therefore 'abcacc' is the best answer.

A poem is said to be good if it________

Maelezo ya Majibu

A poem is said to be good if it evokes emotions and resonates with the reader in a meaningful way. A good poem can have many different elements that contribute to its effectiveness, including elevated style, rhyme and reason, a regular rhythm, and so on. However, the most important aspect of a good poem is its ability to connect with the reader and convey a message, feeling, or idea that is significant and impactful. Ultimately, whether a poem is considered "good" is subjective and depends on the reader's personal preferences and experiences.

The setting of Shakespeare's Othello is____________

Maelezo ya Majibu

The setting of William Shakespeare's play "Othello" is Venice and its surrounding territories, including Cyprus. Venice was a major commercial and cultural center in the 16th and 17th centuries, and was known for its wealth, political power, and maritime influence. In the play, Venice is the backdrop for the events that unfold, and provides a backdrop of political and social tensions that shape the characters and their actions. The setting of Venice helps to create a sense of atmosphere and provides context for the play's themes of jealousy, deceit, and racism.

... may be said to be a critical subject of concern in Blake's "School Boy"

Maelezo ya Majibu

The futility of life and time may be said to be a critical subject of concern in Blake's "School Boy". The poem describes the monotonous and oppressive nature of traditional education, which the speaker views as a waste of time and a hindrance to personal growth and creativity. The speaker longs to escape the confines of the classroom and explore the natural world, which he sees as a source of inspiration and freedom. The poem suggests that the educational system stifles the creativity and individuality of students and forces them to conform to society's expectations. The focus of the poem is not on adventurism or academic development, although these themes are indirectly related to the futility of life and time. The poem's central concern is the need for individuals to find meaning and purpose in their lives beyond the confines of traditional institutions and societal norms.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The atmosphere of a poem has to do with the tone and mood that it creates. The tone of a poem refers to the attitude or perspective of the speaker towards the subject matter, while the mood refers to the emotions or feelings that the poem evokes in the reader. The atmosphere, therefore, is the overall feeling or impression that the poem creates in the reader. The atmosphere can be created through various poetic devices, such as imagery, figurative language, and syntax. The time and place of the poem can also contribute to the atmosphere, but they are not the only factors. For example, a poem set in a beautiful garden may have a peaceful and serene atmosphere, but the same garden could be described in a way that creates a dark or eerie atmosphere. Therefore, while the time and place can influence the atmosphere, it is the tone and mood that are the most significant factors in creating the atmosphere of a poem.

Read the poem and answer questions

At dawn must I rise to till the rock
That our land has turned into
The land where on we'd gleefully harvested paddy
Planted and nurtured and tended on plots marshy
Our woes are bloody woes of accursed revenges
Of the land spirits aggrieved by paltry human respect
For the life of fellow man by his fellow
Kindred blood has counted for less than no value
Brother's wife has been wife to other brother's brother
Communal loot has emptied our country silos
The earth has stopped breathing and sighed
Soldered tears has the moon shed
The earth was scorched at noon-day night
And our land has turned to hoeing rock.

 The theme of the poem is__________

Maelezo ya Majibu

One of the following is not significant to Morris' "The Proud King"

Maelezo ya Majibu

" The proud King" is actually a biblical allusion because it an epic poem which is didactic in nature and teaches moral lessons , it is also concern for the sense of good virtue makes as well a parable of some kind. 

A struggle between opposing forces in a story/play is________

Maelezo ya Majibu

A struggle between opposing forces in a story or play is known as "Conflict". Conflict is an essential element of a narrative that creates tension, drama, and interest for the reader or audience. It involves a struggle or clash between two opposing forces, such as the protagonist and antagonist, or between internal and external factors. Conflict can take many forms, such as physical, emotional, intellectual, or moral, and it drives the plot forward by creating obstacles and challenges that the characters must overcome. It can also reveal the characters' personalities, motivations, and values. In summary, conflict is a fundamental element of storytelling that generates tension and interest by creating a struggle between opposing forces.

Maelezo ya Majibu

A didactic poem that features animals as characters may be distinctively described as an apologue. An apologue is a form of allegory that uses animals or inanimate objects to teach a moral or lesson. This type of poem often aims to instruct or guide its readers on how to live a good life or make the right decisions. The animals in an apologue usually represent different human qualities or characteristics, and the events and actions in the poem serve as a metaphor for real-life situations. Therefore, an apologue is an effective tool for teaching morals and values to children and adults alike.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The last stanza of the poem where they said " awaiting in ambush" shows or signifies hopelessness as the ruling class will be expecting to devour the future change makers. 

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The feeling created by Okara's reminiscence in the "Piano and Drums" is nostalgia. The poem describes how Okara walks to the farm barefoot, despite the thorns and dangerous leaves, and still finds this enjoyable. This suggests a longing for a simpler, more innocent time in his life, and a sense of fondness for the experiences of his youth. This is consistent with the feeling of nostalgia.

"Nightfall! Nightfall!! You are my mortal enemy". The dominant figure of speech above is a/an________

Maelezo ya Majibu

Apostrophe is used to describe an absent person as if present and a dead person or subject matter and as if living, this should not be confused with personification. So the correct answer is Apostrophe because "Night fall" is directly addressed as if it were living being, this is a figurative quality of an Apostrophe.

Maelezo ya Majibu

A short poem that expresses an idea in a clever way is called an Epigram. An epigram is a concise and witty poem or statement that often has a clever twist or pun at the end. It is meant to make the reader think and often has a humorous or satirical tone. The word "epigram" comes from the Greek word "epigramma," which means "inscription" or "something pointed."

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The art of using persuasive words in literary works is known as rhetoric. Rhetoric is the use of language to persuade or influence an audience, often through the use of various techniques such as logos, ethos, and pathos. In literature, rhetoric can be used to convey a particular message, evoke certain emotions, or to convince the reader of a particular point of view. It can be used in various forms of writing, including essays, speeches, and poetry. Dilemma is a difficult choice between two options, Parody is a humorous imitation of a particular work, style, or artist, and Paronomasia is a play on words or pun.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Antithesis is used to describe two contradictory statements or words are placed far apart to create a juxtaposition.

The voice of reason in the 'Harvest of Corruption' is exemplified in the character of___________

Maelezo ya Majibu

The voice of reason in the play "Harvest of Corruption" is exemplified in the character of Ogeyi. Ogeyi is a young and idealistic journalist who believes in uncovering the truth and exposing corruption. She is the one who sets the events of the play in motion by writing an article about the corrupt practices of Chief Haladu Ade Amaka, the Minister of External Relations. Ogeyi's actions show her dedication to fighting corruption and her commitment to justice. Throughout the play, Ogeyi serves as a moral compass for the other characters. She refuses to be swayed by the bribes and threats of Chief Ade Amaka and his cronies, and she remains steadfast in her pursuit of the truth. Ogeyi's courage and integrity make her a shining example of what it means to be a voice of reason in a corrupt society. In conclusion, Ogeyi's character embodies the voice of reason in "Harvest of Corruption" due to her unwavering dedication to the truth and her commitment to exposing corruption. She serves as a beacon of hope in a society that has been overrun by greed and deceit.

Maelezo ya Majibu

In literary criticism, a casual reference to a figure or an event is regarded as an allusion. An allusion is a literary device that refers to a person, event, or work of art in a passing or indirect manner. It assumes that the reader has prior knowledge of the subject being referred to, and the writer can use it to add depth and meaning to their work. Allusions can be used to create a connection between the reader and the text or to provide cultural or historical context. Therefore, an allusion is a type of reference that adds layers of meaning to a literary work.

The mood of Diop's 'Vanity' is__________

Maelezo ya Majibu

The mood of the poem "Vanity" is that of worry and also the poet expressess this through a series of rhetorical questions. 

"You can call me a rebel, but I need a job. That's what matters to me." The repercussion of this statement by Aloho is a pointer to the theme ____

Maelezo ya Majibu

 Unemployment could have been the answer, if only Aloho listened to her good friend's against ochuole and Chief, her tragic end could have been avoided. Be reminded that the key word is " repercussion" 

The literary term for conflict in literature is_________

Maelezo ya Majibu

The literary term for conflict in literature is "Agon". Agon refers to the central struggle or conflict between characters, ideas, or forces in a literary work. It is an essential element of the plot that drives the story forward and creates tension and drama. Agon can take many forms, such as a physical battle, a psychological struggle, or a moral dilemma, and it can be between the protagonist and an antagonist, or within the protagonist's own mind or conscience. In summary, Agon is a crucial component of a story that creates conflict, tension, and interest for the reader or audience.

Use the extract below to answer questions

Line 1: My heart leaps up when I behold
Line 2: A rainbow in the sky
Line 3: so was it when my life began
Line 4: so is it now
Line 5: so is it when I have grown
Line 6: the child is the father of the man.

 The object of the extract is____?

Maelezo ya Majibu

A character whose action or qualities serve to heighten those of the hero through contrast is__________

Maelezo ya Majibu

A character whose action or qualities serve to heighten those of the hero through contrast is called a "foil". A foil is a literary device that is used to highlight and emphasize the qualities and characteristics of the main character by contrasting them with those of another character. The foil character may have similar traits to the main character, but they are often presented in a negative light or with different motivations, values, or beliefs. This contrast helps to bring out the strengths, weaknesses, and complexities of the main character and can enhance the overall meaning and impact of the story.

Maelezo ya Majibu

A novel written in form of a letter is said to be_______

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct answer is "epistolary." An epistolary novel is a novel written in the form of a series of letters or diary entries. The letters are often written by one or more of the characters in the novel, and they can be addressed to other characters in the novel, or to people outside the novel. The form of the letters allows the reader to see events from multiple perspectives and can create a more intimate relationship between the reader and the characters. One famous example of an epistolary novel is "Dracula" by Bram Stoker. The novel is made up of a series of letters, diary entries, and newspaper articles, all written by different characters in the novel. The use of letters and diary entries allows the reader to experience the horror of the novel through the eyes of the characters, and creates a sense of immediacy and urgency. Epistolary novels have been popular for centuries, and the form has been used to tell a wide variety of stories, from gothic horror to romantic comedy. Some other examples of epistolary novels include "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker, "Pamela" by Samuel Richardson, and "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The bar in Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem "Crossing the Bar" symbolizes the boundary between life and death. This boundary is often referred to as the "crossing" or the "journey" from life on earth to the afterlife. The bar represents the threshold between this life and the next, and the speaker in the poem is asking for God's guidance as he makes this final journey. The bar can be interpreted as a metaphor for the uncertainty and fear associated with death, and the speaker is expressing a desire for a safe and peaceful crossing.

Maelezo ya Majibu

'My heart leaps'  is a good example of personification. Evidence the fact that the heart is being personified to act as though it were real , physical human being.

Aloho begins her harvest of corruption when____________

Maelezo ya Majibu

It was when Aloho found out she was 3 months pregnant and the chances of abortion were impossible that was when the harvest of corruption started in The novel. 

Amma Darko's "Faceless" ended with________

Maelezo ya Majibu

The novel ended by explaining how Baby T's spirit caused Onko commit suicide while Maami Broni opens all their evil deeds.

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the poem, what signify weaknes is "The suden throb of pain ", "legs cribbed" which is the result of old age

Maelezo ya Majibu

A transferred epithet is popularly known as a "hypallage". A hypallage is a figure of speech in which an adjective or a modifier is grammatically associated with a word other than the one it actually modifies, creating an effect of syntactic inversion. In other words, a hypallage is when an adjective or descriptive word is applied to a different noun than the one it grammatically belongs to. For example, in the phrase "a sleepless night", the adjective "sleepless" is transferred from the person who is supposed to be sleepless to the night itself, which is inanimate and cannot literally experience sleeplessness. However, the phrase makes sense because it conveys the idea that the night feels long and restless. Transferred epithets are often used in literature and poetry to create vivid and striking imagery or to convey complex emotions and ideas.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The predominance of words in the poem is associated with nature. The poem describes the negative impact of human activities on the land and how the land spirits are aggrieved by human disrespect. It talks about the loss of fertile land that was once used for paddy cultivation and how the land has turned into rocky land that must be tilled. The words used in the poem like harvested, planted, nurtured, and tended, connote an agricultural context that is closely associated with nature. The imagery of the moon shedding tears and the earth stopping breathing also emphasizes the importance of nature in the poem.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Lago's hatred for Othello was born out of the fact that Othello rather appointed Cassio, an inexperienced soldier, as the Lieutenant than himself (Lago). Therefore Othello didn't make him the lieutenant is the correct answer. 

Maelezo ya Majibu

"Native Son" by Richard Wright can be described as a bildungsroman. A bildungsroman is a novel that focuses on the moral and psychological growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood. "Native Son" follows the story of Bigger Thomas, an African American youth living in poverty in Chicago. The novel explores his psychological and emotional development as he navigates the racist society in which he lives and the consequences of his actions.

Read the poem and answer questions

At dawn must I rise to till the rock
That our land has turned into
The land where on we'd gleefully harvested paddy
Planted and nurtured and tended on plots marshy
Our woes are bloody woes of accursed revenges
Of the land spirits aggrieved by paltry human respect
For the life of fellow man by his fellow
Kindred blood has counted for less than no value
Brother's wife has been wife to other brother's brother
Communal loot has emptied our country silos
The earth has stopped breathing and sighed
Soldered tears has the moon shed
The earth was scorched at noon-day night
And our land has turned to hoeing rock.

The run-on lines convey the speaker's_______

Maelezo ya Majibu

The flow of words and expressions, from one to another, of the poet directly reflect his sorrowful state of mind for the tragedies that have consumed his land

Maelezo ya Majibu

What distinguishes literature from other disciplines is its use of creative imagination and its exposition of human experiences. Literature is a form of artistic expression that allows writers to use their imaginations to explore and express the complexities of the human experience. It is not limited by the constraints of reality, and can instead draw upon the full range of human emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Through the use of symbolism, metaphor, and other literary devices, literature is able to convey the essence of the human experience in a way that is unique and powerful. In this sense, literature is distinct from other disciplines such as science, history, or philosophy, which may also deal with aspects of the human experience, but do so in a more structured and empirical manner.

A dramatic type directed against an individual or a private institute with the intent to severely ridicule is called_________

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct term for a dramatic type directed against an individual or a private institute with the intent to severely ridicule is a "lampoon." A lampoon is a type of satirical writing that specifically targets individuals or organizations, using humor and ridicule to expose flaws, criticize behaviors, or challenge beliefs. Lampoons are often written in a sarcastic, exaggerated, or insulting manner, and they can be found in many forms, such as cartoons, poems, or songs. The purpose of a lampoon is to entertain the audience while also making a serious point or social commentary.