JAMB UTME - Literature In English - 2023

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A character that is always against the interest of the protagonist is known as the "villain". The villain is a character in a story who acts as the main source of conflict and obstacle for the protagonist. Their primary purpose is to create tension and challenge the hero, often by causing harm, creating obstacles, or opposing the protagonist's goals. The villain is usually portrayed as malicious, cruel, or immoral, and they are a constant threat to the hero's well-being and success. In many stories, the hero and the villain engage in a battle of wills, where the hero must use their skills, intelligence, and determination to overcome the villain's actions and ultimately achieve a favorable outcome. The villain is an essential element in storytelling, as they provide a contrast to the hero and offer opportunities for growth, redemption, and triumph.

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The excerpt smacks of plenteous exaggerations(hyperbole), and a once-upon-a time reference (allusions).

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The reaction in the passage above is **nausea**. The passage describes the narrator's immediate physical response after opening the bottle. The strong odor coming from the bottle caused an unpleasant sensation in the narrator's nose, resulting in a feeling of discomfort or disgust. This natural bodily reaction is commonly known as nausea. Use of phrases like "I was shocked by the odor" and "I immediately corked it again, and spat on the floor" reinforces the sense of physical repulsion or discomfort caused by the smell. Hence, the answer is nausea.

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The tone of the passage above is **derisive**. In the passage, the writer is making fun of the way some people write their application letters. They mention the flowery language and excessive formality used in the closing of the letter. The use of phrases like "if you are kind enough to accommodate this humble application" and "I shall do my utmost best to render you the greatest services" is being mocked. This suggests that the writer is mocking or ridiculing the practice of using grand, exaggerated language in an application letter. Therefore, the tone of the passage is derisive.

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The phrase 'To fly flags of joy' contains two figures of speech: metaphor and alliteration. 'To fly flags' is a metaphor for expressing joy, while 'flags of joy' is an example of alliteration due to the repetition of the 'f' sound.

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The pause-pattern achieved through the sonority and rhythmical structure of the lines in the given text is called caesura. A caesura is a pause or break in a line of poetry, usually marked by punctuation or by a natural pause in speaking. It helps to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. In this case, the caesura is used to separate and emphasize different aspects of the lines, creating a pause after each phrase. This pause pattern helps to create a rhythmic flow and adds a certain musical quality to the lines.

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The effect of the trees sighing in this verse is to indicate that the bird is carefree. The phrase "the trade winds soft through the sighing trees" suggests that the bird is in a peaceful and serene environment where the trees are gently rustling and making soft sounds. This creates an atmosphere of tranquility and freedom for the bird. The sighing of the trees also symbolizes a sense of contentment and harmony in nature. Overall, this imagery portrays the bird as being unconstrained and able to fully enjoy its freedom.

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Writers use personification to give human characteristics, such as emotions and behaviors, to non-human things, animals, and ideas.

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A tragic hero, according to the Aristotelian precept, must be a noble character with hubris. In simpler terms, a tragic hero is a high-ranking and respected person who possesses a fatal flaw or excessive pride. This flaw or hubris leads to their downfall or tragic ending in the story. It is important to note that a tragic hero does not necessarily have to be a king or a central character after whom the play is named. The key characteristic is their noble status and the presence of hubris. Their downfall is often a result of their own actions or decisions, making their story both tragic and relatable. Through their downfall, the audience learns profound life lessons and experiences catharsis, a release of emotions.

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The sides of a stage are called **the wings**. This is because they are typically located on either side of the main performance area, just like the wings of a bird extend from its body. The wings provide space for performers, props, and equipment to be concealed and stored until they are needed on stage. They also serve as entrances and exits for actors during a performance, allowing them to make their entrances and exits discreetly. In summary, the wings of a stage are the areas on either side of the main stage where performers and equipment are organized and concealed before and during a performance.

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The excerpt from "The Good Morrow" evokes the use of **visual imagery**. Visual imagery refers to the use of vivid and descriptive language that appeals to our sense of sight. In the excerpt, the speaker describes seeing a beauty that they desired and obtained, but it was only a dream of the person they are addressing. This creates a mental image in the reader's mind, allowing them to imagine the contrast between the reality and the dreamlike nature of the beauty. The use of visual imagery helps to engage the reader's imagination and enhance the emotional impact of the poem.

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The poetic device in the expression "Rage is chief" is a metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unrelated things by stating that one thing is the other thing. In this case, the expression is comparing "rage" to a "chief". It is not saying that rage is like a chief or similar to a chief, but rather, it is asserting that rage is the chief or leader of something. To further illustrate, let's look at the definition of the word "chief". A chief is the leader or the head of a group or organization. By using the metaphorical language of "rage is chief", the phrase emphasizes that rage is in control or has dominance over something. Therefore, the poetic device used in the expression "Rage is chief" is a metaphor, as it uses figurative language to convey the idea that rage is the leader or the most powerful force.

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The overwhelming pride that destroys the tragic hero is called hubris.
Hubris refers to excessive pride or arrogance displayed by a character, often leading to their downfall. Tragic heroes are typically individuals who possess remarkable qualities or achievements but are also flawed in some way. Their hubris causes them to overestimate their abilities or believe they are invincible, leading them to challenge or defy the gods or fate.
In Greek tragedies, the fatal flaw of hubris is a common theme. The tragic hero's excessive pride blinds them to their faults and the consequences of their actions. This ultimately brings about their downfall and a sense of catharsis for the audience.
To summarize, hubris is the overwhelming pride that destroys the tragic hero by causing them to act out of arrogance and disregard the potential consequences of their actions.

Cast in a play refers to

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In a play, the term "cast" refers to all the actors who have been selected to perform in the production. It includes **all the actors** who will be portraying the different characters and bringing the story to life on stage. The cast may consist of **three actors**, **a few actors**, or even more, depending on the requirements of the play. So, the correct answer is **d) all the actors**.

The process of creating character and endowing them with certain attitude is ......

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The process of creating a character and giving them specific personality traits is called characterization. Characterization is a crucial aspect of storytelling, whether it be in books, movies, or plays. It involves the development and portrayal of a character's traits, beliefs, emotions, and actions.
To create a character, an author or creator has to make deliberate choices about the character's physical appearance, background, and personality. These choices help to shape the character's identity and make them more relatable and engaging to the audience.
Once the character is established, the process of characterization continues through the character's actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions with other characters. These elements reveal more about the character's motivations, values, and attitudes.
Characterization can be achieved in several ways. These include:
- Direct characterization: This is when the author or creator explicitly states or describes the character's traits, motivations, or background. For example, they may say, "She was a kind-hearted person who always put others before herself."
- Indirect characterization: This is when the character's traits are revealed through their actions, speech, or thoughts. The audience has to infer the character's personality based on their behavior. For example, if a character frequently acts selfishly and only cares about their own needs, it implies that they have a self-centered personality.
- Character's relationships: The way a character interacts and forms relationships with other characters in the story can also provide insight into their personality. For example, if a character is constantly kind and supportive to others, it shows that they have a compassionate nature.
Through characterization, the audience can develop a deeper understanding of the character's motivations, beliefs, and attitudes. This helps to create a well-rounded and engaging story as the audience becomes invested in the characters and their journey.

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The poetic device used in the expression 'for the caged bird sings of freedom' is irony. Irony is a figure of speech in which the intended meaning is the opposite of the literal meaning. In this case, the irony lies in the fact that the caged bird, despite being confined, sings of freedom.

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The theme of this excerpt is **the oppression of women**. In the excerpt, the women are described as singing in the forlorn fields about their lives. The songs they sing are about how they ploughed the terrain of their landscape for memories of lyrics lost in the vast void of time. This suggests that their lives have been filled with hardship and struggle. The lyrics lost in time symbolize the lost stories and experiences of these women due to their oppression. The mention of servitude cuffing the ankles of their soul and dereliction decapitating the epic of their lives further emphasize the theme of oppression. This language evokes a sense of bondage and powerlessness. The oppression is likely a result of societal structures and systems that have limited the freedom and agency of these women. Therefore, based on the description of the women's experiences and the imagery used, **the theme of this excerpt is the oppression of women**.

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In the passage above, it is implied that the unknown woman mentioned is **dead**. The passage states that she is "six feet beneath the earth," which indicates that she is buried in a grave or buried underground. The use of phrases such as "the place where she lay" and "a good six feet beneath an earth" suggest that she is not able to move or run away. The mention of Senhor Jose feeling unsure of what else he should do implies that the woman is no longer alive and there is nothing more that can be done for her. Therefore, the answer is that the unknown woman is dead.

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A metrical pause occurring in the middle of a line in a poem is called a caesura. - **Caesura** is a punctuation-like break in the rhythm of a poem that creates a pause, typically in the middle of a line. - It is used to add emphasis, create a rhythmic pattern, or give the reader a moment to reflect. - Unlike punctuation marks, which break the flow of words, a caesura is a more subtle pause that is created through the use of meter and rhythm. - **Tetrametre** refers to a line of poetry containing four metrical feet, while **rhythm** refers to the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a poem. - **Assonance** refers to the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words or lines of poetry.

A panegyric poem is composed to

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A panegyric poem is composed to praise someone or something. It is a form of literary work that specifically focuses on highlighting the positive qualities, achievements, or virtues of a particular individual, group, or object. The purpose of a panegyric poem is to express admiration, honor, and appreciation. It often uses powerful and persuasive language to extol the subject and convey a sense of reverence. In this type of poem, the writer aims to celebrate and glorify the qualities or accomplishments of the subject, presenting them in the best possible light. So, to summarize, a panegyric poem is created to praise and uplift its subject.

Which of these is the oldest genre of literature?

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The oldest genre of literature is poetry.

Poetry can be traced back thousands of years to ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Greeks. It predates other forms of literature like drama and prose.

What makes poetry unique is its use of rhythm, meter, and language that is often more expressive and condensed than other forms of writing. It is a form of artistic expression that evokes emotions and creates vivid imagery through the use of carefully chosen words and structures.

Throughout history, poetry has been used to communicate stories, share cultural traditions, express love, and even convey political or social messages.

In summary, poetry is the oldest genre of literature, dating back to ancient civilizations, and it continues to be appreciated and enjoyed by people around the world today.

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A Government Driver on His Retirement is a poem of thirty-three lines divided into six stanzas. Stanzas 1, 2, 4 and 5 have four lines each while Stanzas 3 and 6 have eight and nine lines respectively.

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Rhyme scheme is the best answer. The semblance of sound and patternised movement or flow of the words in the excerpt above makes rhyme scheme the predominant literary figure there.

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The dominant device in the excerpt from 'The Journey of the Magi' is synecdoche. Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa. In this case, 'night-fires going out' and 'lack of shelters' are used to represent the overall hardships and difficulties of the journey. The device is not paradox, metaphor, or simile, as there is no contradiction, comparison, or likeness being expressed.

'As virtuous men pass mildly away,
And whisper to their souls, to go
Whilst some of their sad friends do say,
The breadth goes now, and some say, "No".'
John Donne: A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning

The tone of this poem is generally

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The tone of this poem is serious. The poem discusses the departure of virtuous individuals and how their friends react to their passing. The language used, such as "whisper to their souls" and "sad friends," conveys a sense of solemnity and seriousness. The poem also explores the idea of forbidding mourning, suggesting that there is a deeper understanding and appreciation for the departure of virtuous individuals. Overall, the tone of the poem is focused and reflective, which contributes to its serious tone.

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The plot of the novel is linear; Events in the novel succeed into one another in one to one correspondence right from the point to exposition to climax to anti-climax to denouement.

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The tone of the poet in the poem "Oily Tears" can be described as **optimistic**. The poet expresses a sense of hope and assurance that the tears and sorrow that someone is experiencing will eventually be stopped. The use of the word "swear" implies a strong commitment to this belief. Despite the initial description of "depressed face" and "tears", the poet aims to convey a sense of positivity and optimism for the future.

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The combination of two or more metaphors is called mixed metaphor.
Metaphors are figures of speech that use language to compare two unrelated things, usually for the purpose of creating vivid descriptions or conveying a particular meaning. When multiple metaphors are brought together in a single sentence or phrase, it creates a mixed metaphor.
Imagine if someone said, "He's as sharp as a knife, but also a shining star." In this example, the person is using two different metaphors: one comparing someone to a sharp knife and another comparing them to a shining star. However, when these two metaphors are combined, it creates a mixed metaphor.
Mixed metaphors can sometimes create confusion or make the intended meaning unclear. It is generally more effective to stick to one metaphor at a time to ensure clarity and coherence in communication.

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The term "dramatis personae" in a play refers to the **list of characters** or the **cast list**. It provides a comprehensive list of all the characters that appear in the play. This list includes the main characters, supporting characters, and sometimes even minor characters. The purpose of including a dramatis personae is to help the audience or readers understand who the characters are and their roles in the story. It ensures that everyone involved in the production, such as actors, directors, and stage crew, is aware of the characters and their importance. In a nutshell, the dramatis personae is like a character reference guide, giving an overview of who is who in the play.

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The answer to this question is **metonymy**. Metonymy is a figure of speech where a word or phrase is used to represent something else that it is closely associated with. In the poem "Many years on wheels," the phrase "wheels" is used to represent the occupation or job of the government driver. "Wheels" is closely associated with the driver because it is an essential tool and symbol of their profession. The reference to "wheels" as a metonymy helps to emphasize and encapsulate the driver's identity and experience. It communicates the idea that the driver has spent many years working in their profession, using their vehicle as a means of livelihood and service to the government. It is important to note that metonymy differs from personification, climax, and synecdoche. - Personification is the attribution of human characteristics to non-human objects, so it does not accurately fit the context of the poem. - Climax refers to the highest or most intense point of a story or event, which is not applicable to the given line. - Synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part is used to represent a whole or vice versa. While "wheels" can be seen as a synecdoche in a broader context, in this specific line it is being used metonymically. Therefore, the correct answer is metonymy.

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When an object is invested with a meaning beyond its immediate reference, it becomes a symbol. A symbol is a representation of something else, often an abstract concept or idea. It goes beyond its literal meaning and carries a deeper significance. Symbols can be objects, actions, or even words that evoke a particular meaning or feeling. They are powerful tools used in literature, art, and communication to convey complex ideas in a more accessible and impactful way. Symbols allow us to communicate and understand concepts that may be difficult to express directly. They add depth and richness to our understanding of the world and can evoke strong emotions and associations.

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The device used in the phrase "I shall booze and zoom" is **hyperbole**.
Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggerated statements or claims that are not meant to be taken literally. In this case, the phrase implies that the retired government driver will engage in excessive drinking and high-speed driving. The use of the words "booze" and "zoom" exaggerates the driver's intended behavior after retirement.
It is important to note that hyperbole is often used to make a point or create an impact in writing or speech, and should not be interpreted literally.

The writing convention in which the events in narrative are scrambled as they come to the writer's mind without any attempt to arrange them in orderly sequence is called

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The writing convention in which the events in a narrative are scrambled as they come to the writer's mind without any attempt to arrange them in an orderly sequence is called "stream of consciousness".
Stream of consciousness is a literary technique that aims to depict the continuous flow of thoughts, feelings, memories, and associations that pass through a character's mind. It is like a window into the character's inner thoughts and perceptions.
In this style of writing, there is no chronological order or logical structure. Instead, the narrative jumps from one thought or impression to another, often without clear transitions. This technique attempts to mimic the unpredictable and often messy nature of human thought processes.
Stream of consciousness writing allows readers to experience a character's thoughts and emotions in a more direct and intimate way. It provides insight into their psychology, their internal conflicts, and their unique perception of the world.
So, in summary, stream of consciousness is a writing convention that presents a jumbled and unorganized depiction of a character's thoughts and experiences, capturing the chaotic and spontaneous nature of human consciousness.

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Allusions are generally regarded as brief but purposeful references, within a literary text, to a person, place, event, or to another work of literature. An allusion is like a little nod or reference to something or someone else. It's kind of like when you're talking to a friend and you mention a quote from a movie, or you make a reference to a famous event or person. In literature, an allusion is when the author makes a reference to something outside of the text, like another book, a historical event, or a famous person. For example, if a character in a book is described as having the strength of Hercules, it's a reference to the mythological figure Hercules who was known for his incredible strength. This is an allusion to the Greek myth. Allusions can be used to add depth and meaning to a story. They can help the reader make connections, understand the author's intentions, or evoke certain emotions. Allusions can also be used to create a sense of familiarity or to give a story a cultural or historical context. So, in conclusion, allusions are brief references in literature that help convey a deeper meaning or connect the story to something outside of itself. They can be to a person, place, event, or another work of literature.

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The action in a play that stimulates the audience to pity a character is called pathos.
Pathos is a storytelling technique that aims to evoke strong emotions such as pity, sympathy, and compassion from the audience. It involves portraying the character's suffering, tragedy, or unfortunate circumstances in a way that creates an emotional connection between the audience and the character. This connection allows the audience to empathize with the character and feel a sense of pity for their situation.
In a play, pathos can be created through various means such as the character's dialogue, actions, or interactions with other characters. It can also be enhanced by the use of dramatic elements like music, lighting, and stage design.
By evoking a sense of pity in the audience, pathos helps to engage them emotionally and creates a deeper impact and connection with the story being told on stage. It can be a powerful tool for a playwright to convey their message and make the audience reflect on the human condition.

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The imagery in the excerpt above is mainly auditory and visual. The line "my heart is a quiet drum" creates an auditory image as it compares the sound of a drum to the beating of the heart. It suggests that the heart is making a gentle rhythmic sound, similar to a drum. The line "something it flares like a parched thunder cracking through a damask sky" creates a visual image. It compares the heart's flaring to thunder cracking through a damask (patterned) sky. This imagery conjures up the image of a powerful and intense display of energy, like lightning cutting through the sky. Overall, the excerpt combines auditory imagery with visual imagery to evoke a sense of sound and sight in the reader's mind.

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The value of the comparison is always achieved in the end e.g My mum is a sister, my sister is a mum.

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This is a climax literary point in which the audience reacts to what the character (protagonist) experiences. It is known as (release of purgation).

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The use of the word 'crown' in this context is a good example of synecdoche, a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa. Here, 'crown' is used to represent power or leadership, which is a part of the whole concept of being a king or ruler.

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The term given to a type of incident or device which recurs frequently in literature is **motif**. A motif is a recurring element or idea that appears throughout a piece of literature, such as a symbol, theme, or character trait. It can be a symbol that represents a particular concept or theme, a recurring theme that is explored in different ways, or a recurring character trait that appears in multiple characters. Motifs can serve various purposes in literature. They can enhance the overall meaning and depth of a story by adding depth and complexity. They can also help to create unity and coherence in a work, connecting different parts of the story together. Additionally, motifs can provide insights into the author's intentions, beliefs, or themes. For example, in William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, the motif of blood appears throughout the story. Blood represents guilt, violence, and the consequences of immoral actions. This motif is used to convey the ongoing guilt and psychological impact that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth experience after they commit the murder of King Duncan. In conclusion, a motif is a recurring incident or device that adds meaning, coherence, and depth to a piece of literature.