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JAMB UTME - Literature In English - 2002

Question 1 Report

This question is based on selected Poems from Ker, D. et al (eds.): New poetry from African; Syinka, W. (ed.): poems of Black African; Senanu, K.E. and Vincent, T. (eds.): A Selection of African poetry; Umukoro, M. et al (eds.): Exam Focus: Literature- in - English; Eruvbetine, A.E. et al (eds.): Longman Examination Guides and Nwoga, D.I. (ed.): West African Verse.

And my children left their peaceful nakedness

For the uniform of iron and blood'

In the lines above from David Diop's Loser of Everything' the imagery depicts a displacement of

Answer Details
The lines from David Diop's 'Loser of Everything' depict the displacement of innocence by violence. The use of the words 'peaceful nakedness' emphasizes the natural and innocent state of being, which is then contrasted with the 'uniform of iron and blood', symbolizing violence and war. The displacement of innocence by violence is a recurring theme in African literature, as it represents the loss of traditional values and the impact of colonialism and war on African societies.