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WAEC SSCE - Literature In English - 2002 (Objective)

Question 1 Report

Read the extract below and answer the question

I am sorry thou wilt leave my father so
Our house is hell, and thou a merry devil
Didst rob it of some taste of tediousness
But fare thee well: there is a ducat for thee
(Act 11, sc lll)

Merry devil illustrates
Answer Details
The phrase "Merry devil" in the extract is an example of an oxymoron. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms or ideas, like "merry" and "devil." In this context, the speaker is addressing someone who has caused trouble in their house, but they still offer them a ducat as a farewell gift. The oxymoron emphasizes the speaker's mixed feelings towards the person, as they are both merry and mischievous like a devil.
Read lesson note on Drama (JAMB)
Read lesson note on Poetry (JAMB)
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