JAMB UTME - Literature In English - 2019

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

A struggle between opposing forces in a story/play is________

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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.

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In Lenrie's 'The Panic of Growing Older', another significant theme is the uncertainties of life. The poem describes the speaker's fear and anxiety as he grows older and realizes that life is unpredictable and fleeting. He expresses his regret for not living his life to the fullest and for wasting time on things that don't matter. The poem suggests that life is full of uncertainties, and we can't predict what will happen in the future. The speaker's panic about growing older is a reflection of our universal fear of the unknown and the inevitability of aging and death. Although the poem briefly mentions natural disasters, war, and the relationship between mankind and nature, these are not the primary themes. The poem's central focus is on the uncertainties of life and how we should cherish the present moment and make the most of our time on earth.

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'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.

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

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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.

"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 ____

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 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" 

'A trouble shared is a trouble halved' illustrates the use of______

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Further examination reveals paradox altruism and proverbial importance of it expression though it may seem untrue at first sight. 

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The  reason behind God withholding the gift of rest from man is that man can always remember his creator whether as a result of goodness or weariness. This is seen at the third stanza of the poem. 

A poem is said to be good if it________

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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.

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The poet with the usage of powerful imageries and symbols as 'gun' and 'wound' reveals that the subject matter of the poem is that of brutality or horrors of war and not mere conflict therefore brutality is the best answer. 

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Option C Significantly points out this figure best in Othello.The distinctive qualities of a character which the author defines or what the other characters perceive of him is characterization. 

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

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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.

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__________

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A poem of 14 lines is known as__________

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A poem of 14 lines is known as a "sonnet". A sonnet is a type of poem that originated in Italy in the 13th century and became popular in England in the 16th century. It consists of 14 lines and typically follows a strict rhyme scheme and a specific structure. The most common type of sonnet is the "Shakespearean" or "English" sonnet, which is composed of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (two-line stanza). The rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet is usually ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, meaning that the first and third lines of each quatrain rhyme with each other, as do the second and fourth lines, and the final couplet rhymes with each other. Sonnet form is often used to express intense or complex emotions, such as love, loss, and mortality. Many of the greatest poets in history have written sonnets, including William Shakespeare, John Donne, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Pablo Neruda.

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

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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.

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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_________

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

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 mood of the writer is that of _____?

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The poet glimpse of hope at very beginning, was how however overtaken by the feeling of worry as to the challenges of maturity and growing older. 

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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.

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

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The line "The earth has stopped breathing and sighed" illustrates personification. Personification is a figure of speech in which human qualities are attributed to non-human entities such as animals, objects, or natural phenomena. In this line, the poet personifies the earth, giving it human-like qualities of breathing and sighing. The use of personification is effective in conveying the idea that the land is suffering and struggling to survive due to the neglect and mistreatment by its human inhabitants. The line does not illustrate bathos, which is an abrupt shift from a serious or lofty style to a common or ridiculous one. It is also not a paradox, which is a statement that appears self-contradictory or absurd but may be true in fact. Additionally, it is not a climax, which is the point of highest dramatic tension or a turning point in a narrative.

'The fair breeze blew
The white foam flew
The furrow followed free
We were the first that ever burst
Into that silent sea.'

The dominant figure of speech in the above passage is

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The specie of conflict exemplified in the Native Son is that of_______

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The species of conflict exemplified in "Native Son" is that of man against society. This novel, written by Richard Wright, explores the experiences of a young Black man named Bigger Thomas who lives in poverty and racial segregation in Chicago during the 1930s. The central conflict in the novel is the tension between Bigger and the white-dominated society in which he lives. This conflict is characterized by racism, prejudice, and inequality, and it affects every aspect of Bigger's life, from his relationships to his opportunities and freedoms. The novel ultimately depicts the devastating consequences of this man-against-society conflict and its impact on the lives of those who are oppressed and marginalized by it.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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. 

_____ is used to describe the predetermination of a future event in a literary piece

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Anelepsis (flash back) is used to reveal a futuristic event at the present moment while prolepsis is literay used for foreshadowing unlike flash back. 

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

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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.

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Nemesis is the significant literary devices here, the poet portrays the importance of moral virtues and humility through the reversal of fortunes of the King.

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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. 

Bayo Adebowale portrayed Yaremi as resilient, self reliant and strong willed particularly to__________

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Despite the resentment from most men in Kufi, Yaremi remained self-reliant and assertive.The author strongly condemned and advocates for the change in the African belief system as the male superiority over the female gender. Option D although may seem tempting, but clearly relates to the unfounded beliefs that widows are responsible for their husbands' death etc.

_______ is used to describe the situation where a character recognize his mistake

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Anagnorisis is used to describe the situation where a character recognizes their mistake. Anagnorisis is a term from classical Greek drama, and it refers to the moment in a play when the protagonist realizes the error of their ways. This realization often leads to a change in the character's behavior or a shift in the direction of the plot. In literature, anagnorisis is often used to bring about a resolution to the conflict or to provide a turning point in the story. It can be a powerful moment in a story, as it allows the reader to see the character grow and develop, and it often leads to a greater understanding of the story as a whole.

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

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" 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. 

The dorminant mood in Tennyson's Crossing the Bar is that of___________

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The turn is that of acceptance because the poet's feeling was that of preparedness to embark on an evening journey of no return. 

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When a writer deviates from the chronological arrangement of events in a literary piece, he uses anachrony. Anachrony refers to the technique of presenting events out of the order in which they occurred chronologically. This technique is often used to create suspense, highlight certain events or themes, or to show the effects of past events on the present. Anachrony can take various forms, including flashbacks, flash-forwards, or a nonlinear narrative structure. It is a common technique used in literature, film, and other forms of storytelling to add complexity and depth to a narrative.

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 literary device used in line 6 is an example of______

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Probably on the first instance the statement may not seem true but with a closer examination it appears to be true and realistic