JAMB UTME - Literature In English - 1999

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In the context of Ojaide's poem, "The Owl", the owl is used as a symbol. A symbol is an object or image that represents something else beyond its literal meaning. In the poem, the owl represents death, darkness, and a foreboding sense of doom. The poet uses the owl as a symbol to convey his themes and ideas about the impermanence of life, the inevitability of death, and the cyclical nature of existence. Thus, in this poem, the owl is not just an animal but a symbol that carries deeper meaning and significance.

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A couplet refers to two successive lines of rhyming verse. In poetry, a couplet is a pair of lines that are usually rhymed and written in the same meter. A couplet can stand alone as a complete poem, or it can be part of a longer poem. The term "couplet" is commonly associated with Shakespearean sonnets, which consist of 14 lines of iambic pentameter, typically divided into three quatrains and a final couplet.

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The poem "Ibadan" by J.P Clark is memorable for its use of metaphor. The poem describes the city of Ibadan as "Running splash of rust and gold - flung and scattered / Among seven hills like broken China in the sun." The comparison between the city and "broken China" creates a vivid image in the reader's mind, and highlights the fragility and beauty of the city. This use of metaphor enhances the poem's lyrical quality and makes it more memorable by creating a powerful and unique image in the reader's mind. Therefore, the poem is memorable for its metaphor.

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In drama, the term "climax" refers to the point of highest dramatic tension in the play. It's the moment when the conflict between the protagonist and antagonist reaches its peak, and the audience is most emotionally invested in the outcome. It's not related to beauty, resolution of the crisis or the hero's tragic flaw. It's an essential part of the plot structure and is often followed by the resolution of the story's conflict.

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In Browning's 'My Last Duchess', the Duke complains that his wife was disrespectful. In the poem, the Duke is giving a tour of his art collection to a visitor, and he stops in front of a portrait of his previous wife (the "last Duchess"). As he talks about the portrait, it becomes clear that he is jealous and resentful of his wife's behavior. He complains that she was too friendly with other men, that she did not appreciate his gifts, and that she did not show him enough respect. He says that her behavior was a sign of her "despite" (disrespect), and that ultimately, he felt he had no choice but to have her killed. So, to answer the question, the Duke complains that his wife was disrespectful.

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The literary device being described in this question is allegory. An allegory is a form of extended metaphor in which the characters, actions, and settings in a story represent abstract ideas or moral qualities. In other words, an allegory is a story that has a deeper meaning beyond its literal interpretation. It is a way for authors to convey complex ideas or themes through a more relatable and engaging narrative. A classic example of an allegory is George Orwell's Animal Farm, in which the farm animals represent different elements of Soviet society and the story serves as a commentary on the dangers of communism.

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The feature that gives Camara Laye's novel, The African Child, an African setting is the portrayal of marabouts, spirits, and family life. The novel is a semi-autobiographical account of Laye's childhood in Guinea, and it is set in a traditional African village. Throughout the book, Laye describes the various customs and traditions that were part of his upbringing, including the role of marabouts (Muslim holy men) in the community, the belief in spirits and magic, and the importance of family life. Marabouts play a central role in the novel, as they are seen as wise and respected members of the community who are consulted for guidance and advice. The belief in spirits is also a prominent feature of the novel, with various characters interacting with spirits and invoking their protection or assistance. Additionally, Laye's descriptions of family life – including the extended family structure, communal living, and the importance of oral tradition – all contribute to the African setting of the novel. So, to answer the question, the feature that gives The African Child an African setting is the portrayal of marabouts, spirits, and family life.

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A humorous play based on an unrealistic situation is considered in drama as a farce. A farce is a type of comedy that relies on exaggerated, improbable situations and absurd characters to create humor. The situations presented in farce are often completely unrealistic and often involve mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and over-the-top physical comedy. Unlike satire, which uses humor to criticize society or individuals, farce is simply meant to be funny and entertaining. Therefore, a humorous play based on an unrealistic situation is classified as a farce in drama.

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The statement "She bore a mind that envy could not but call fair" describes Olivia, one of the main characters in William Shakespeare's play, Twelfth Night. The phrase "bore a mind" means that Olivia possessed a certain kind of mentality or way of thinking. The phrase "envy could not but call fair" means that Olivia's mindset was so admirable and admirable that even those who were envious of her could not deny its goodness. Therefore, the statement is saying that Olivia's mind was so pure, kind, and admirable that even her detractors couldn't help but acknowledge its beauty.

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The mood in the lines above is one of indignation. The lines express a sense of urgency and frustration, as someone is ambling along and causing delay. The speaker is no longer willing to wait for nature to take its course and instead advocates for forceful action to be taken to deliver the individual. This sense of urgency and frustration creates an overall mood of indignation.

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In Femi Osofisan's play Morountodun, social change is achieved through collectivism. The play portrays the struggle of a community against oppressive rulers, and the eventual victory of the people through a united effort. The characters in the play come together to challenge the status quo and to fight for their rights and freedom. They work together, pooling their resources and abilities, to achieve their common goal. Through the theme of collectivism, the play emphasizes the importance of unity and solidarity in bringing about social change.

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Titubi joins the farmers' revolt in pursuit of Marshal. In the play "Morountodun" by Femi Osofisan, Titubi is a young woman who is in love with Marshal, one of the leaders of the farmers' revolt against the oppressive regime in power. She is passionate about their cause and wants to be with Marshal, so she joins the rebellion to try and find him. She is not a spy for the establishment or defying the police, but is instead motivated by her desire to be with the man she loves and fight for a better future for her community.

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The re-enactment of the Moremi legend in the play can be described as a flashback. A flashback is a literary device that presents a scene or event that happened before the current time in the narrative. In Morountodun, the re-enactment of the Moremi legend is a retelling of an ancient story of sacrifice and heroism that happened in the past. This flashback helps to provide the audience with historical context and allows them to understand the cultural significance of the story.

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The author, Camara Laye, makes the reader believe his story in The African Child by using detailed description. Laye's writing in The African Child is notable for its vivid and descriptive language, which brings to life the world he grew up in. His descriptions of the village, its customs, and its people are rich in detail, and he provides the reader with a clear sense of what life was like in this traditional African community. He also uses sensory details – such as the sights, sounds, and smells of the village – to create a vivid and immersive reading experience. By using such detailed description, Laye is able to create a strong sense of verisimilitude – or the appearance of being true or real – which helps to convince the reader that the events in the book really happened. Through his writing, Laye invites the reader to step into his world and experience it for themselves, which helps to create a powerful and memorable reading experience. Therefore, to answer the question, the author, Camara Laye, makes the reader believe his story in The African Child by using detailed description.

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Based on the information given, the character in the poem is most likely a veteran. This can be inferred from the fact that he puts himself in uniform and marches with his son while singing a military song. Additionally, the mention of "his Burmese days" suggests that he has a military background and may have served in Burma (now Myanmar) during his time in the military.

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Gray's 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard' is a reflection on the passing of life. The poem expresses the idea that everyone, regardless of their social class, will eventually die and be forgotten. Gray reflects on the lives of the ordinary people buried in the churchyard and contemplates the fleeting nature of life. The poem is not a lamentation over a dead friend, as it does not focus on a single individual. Instead, it presents a broader reflection on life and death. While nature is mentioned in the poem, it is not the primary focus.

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The struggle between the old man and the fish in Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" symbolizes man's struggle for survival in a harsh world. Through the arduous battle, the old man demonstrates his strength, endurance, and determination, just as a person must do to overcome obstacles in life. The fish represents the obstacles and challenges that one must face and conquer to survive and thrive, while the sea represents the harsh and unpredictable world that one must navigate to achieve success. The struggle also highlights the importance of perseverance, as the old man refuses to give up even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.

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The novel 'The African Child' by Camara Laye is a mixture of the real and the supernatural. It combines both the author's personal experiences and reflections on growing up in Guinea with elements of traditional African spiritual beliefs and practices. Laye's portrayal of the world he grew up in, including his family, community, and culture, is grounded in reality, while the presence of supernatural beings and events, such as jinns and possession, add a mystical and magical dimension to the story. This blending of the real and the supernatural is a common feature of African literature and reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of African societies and cultures.

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In the passage above, the sea is personified. The use of the pronoun "her" and the possessive adjective "she" gives the sea human-like qualities, making it seem as though the sea is a living entity. The phrase "which is what people call her in Spanish when they love her" emphasizes this personification, suggesting that the sea is more than just a body of water, but something to be loved and cherished. The passage also suggests that the sea can be a source of both admiration and criticism, but always with the understanding that she is like a woman, and therefore deserving of respect and reverence. Overall, the personification of the sea is a way for Hemingway to create a sense of intimacy between the protagonist and the natural world, and to explore the complex emotions that arise from this relationship.

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The universal theme of the novel "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway is the relationship between man and nature. The story revolves around the struggle between the old fisherman Santiago and the marlin he catches, which represents the power of nature. The novel highlights how humans must respect and appreciate nature and how it can both challenge and reward them. The old man's journey and his relationship with the sea highlight the deeper connection that humans have with the natural world.

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These lines from Soyinka's "Telephone Conversation" show that the poet believes both his environment and experience. In the poem, the speaker describes the scene around him, including a red phone booth, red pillar-box, and red double-tiered omnibus. He then goes on to recount a conversation he had over the phone with a landlady who refused to rent him an apartment because of his race. The use of the phrase "It was real!" after describing the physical surroundings suggests that the speaker is emphasizing the reality and importance of his experience, both in terms of the discrimination he faced and the world around him. Therefore, the poet believes both in the environment of his experience and the experience itself.

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Okigbo's 'Hurrah for Thunder' is a prophetic poem because it correctly predicts the end of those who abuse power. The poem describes a society where corrupt leaders and those in positions of power are brought down by natural forces, symbolized by thunder. Okigbo's use of imagery, such as "the gods [who] have rejected the sacrifice" and "the deserted homesteads," suggests that this is a society that has lost touch with its spiritual and moral values. The poem's prophetic tone predicts that these abuses of power will ultimately lead to the downfall of those in positions of authority, and that justice will be served. This message is particularly relevant in the context of post-colonial Africa, where many countries struggled with corruption and abuses of power in the decades following their independence.

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The figurative name for the manner in which nightfall is directly addressed as though present in Mtshali's 'Nightfall in Soweto' is apostrophe. Apostrophe is a literary device in which the speaker addresses an absent or imaginary person, an abstract idea, or a thing as if it were present and capable of responding. In the given line, "Nightfall! Nightfall! You are my mortal enemy", the speaker is directly addressing Nightfall as if it were a person who could hear and respond. This creates a dramatic effect and intensifies the speaker's emotions towards Nightfall, which is portrayed as an enemy.

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A denouement in a play refers to the part of the story where the conflicts and tensions that have been building up throughout the play are finally resolved. It is the point at which the story reaches its conclusion and loose ends are tied up. The denouement brings closure to the audience and allows them to make sense of the events that have taken place. Therefore, it does not cause conflicts or create catastrophes, but instead, it resolves conflicts and brings the story to a satisfying conclusion.

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The dominant figure of speech in the given lines is alliteration. Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. In the given lines, the "b" sound is repeated multiple times in the words "blade," "bloody," "blameful," and "broached," creating a strong sense of rhythm and emphasis. This technique is often used in literature to draw attention to certain words or phrases, and to create a musical quality in the language.