JAMB UTME - Literature In English - 2019

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Akọwa Nkọwa

The setting of William Shakespeare's play "Othello" is Venice and its surrounding territories, including Cyprus. Venice was a major commercial and cultural center in the 16th and 17th centuries, and was known for its wealth, political power, and maritime influence. In the play, Venice is the backdrop for the events that unfold, and provides a backdrop of political and social tensions that shape the characters and their actions. The setting of Venice helps to create a sense of atmosphere and provides context for the play's themes of jealousy, deceit, and racism.

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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. 

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

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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. 

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"Native Son" by Richard Wright can be described as a bildungsroman. A bildungsroman is a novel that focuses on the moral and psychological growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood. "Native Son" follows the story of Bigger Thomas, an African American youth living in poverty in Chicago. The novel explores his psychological and emotional development as he navigates the racist society in which he lives and the consequences of his actions.

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'The dun dun of a drum' is an example of an onomatopoeia. Onomatopoeia is a literary device in which a word imitates the sound it represents. In this case, the word "dun dun" imitates the sound of a drum, and therefore, it is an onomatopoeia. Onomatopoeia can be used to create a vivid and sensory experience for the reader, making the writing more engaging and memorable. Therefore, onomatopoeia is a useful tool for writers who want to make their work more expressive and dynamic.

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The mood of the poet in the poem is one of hopelessness. The poem describes the struggles of a people who have suffered due to communal conflict, resulting in the loss of land, crops, and even human life. The imagery used in the poem is bleak and mournful, with references to the land being turned to rock, the earth no longer breathing, and the moon shedding tears. These images suggest a sense of despair and hopelessness, as if the poet is mourning the loss of a way of life that can never be regained. The use of words such as "bloody woes", "accursed revenges", and "soldered tears" further reinforces the sense of hopelessness that pervades the poem. The poet's mood is one of sadness and despair at the loss of a way of life that was once joyous and bountiful.

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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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The literary term for conflict in literature is "Agon". Agon refers to the central struggle or conflict between characters, ideas, or forces in a literary work. It is an essential element of the plot that drives the story forward and creates tension and drama. Agon can take many forms, such as a physical battle, a psychological struggle, or a moral dilemma, and it can be between the protagonist and an antagonist, or within the protagonist's own mind or conscience. In summary, Agon is a crucial component of a story that creates conflict, tension, and interest for the reader or audience.

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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. 

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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.

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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

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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. 

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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.

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Analogy is the arrangement of two ideas that are similar. An analogy is a comparison between two things that are alike in certain aspects to help explain or clarify a complex or abstract idea. In this comparison, there is usually a relationship between two pairs of words or ideas, where one pair is to the other pair as the first term is to its relationship with the second term. The relationship between the two pairs of words or ideas may be of many types, such as cause and effect, antonyms, synonyms, and so on. Overall, the use of analogy helps people understand complex ideas by relating them to more familiar or understandable concepts.

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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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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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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.

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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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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.

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God establishes his supremacy over man and retains man's dependency on Him by withholding the gift of rest so much so that man may continue to find strength and fulfilment by seeking and worshipping Him.

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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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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.

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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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Lago's hatred for Othello was born out of the fact that Othello rather appointed Cassio, an inexperienced soldier, as the Lieutenant than himself (Lago). Therefore Othello didn't make him the lieutenant is the correct answer. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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A short poem that expresses an idea in a clever way is called an Epigram. An epigram is a concise and witty poem or statement that often has a clever twist or pun at the end. It is meant to make the reader think and often has a humorous or satirical tone. The word "epigram" comes from the Greek word "epigramma," which means "inscription" or "something pointed."

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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.

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In the poem, what signify weaknes is "The suden throb of pain ", "legs cribbed" which is the result of old age

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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 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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An overused expression is a "cliche". A cliche is a phrase or expression that has become so overused that it has lost its original meaning or impact. It is often used as a shortcut to convey a certain idea or emotion, but it can be seen as trite or unoriginal. Examples of cliches include phrases like "at the end of the day", "all's well that ends well", or "time heals all wounds". These expressions are often used in everyday conversation, but they can become tiresome or predictable when used too frequently. In literature and writing, the use of cliches can be seen as a weakness or a lack of originality. Good writers strive to find fresh and innovative ways to express their ideas and emotions, and avoid relying on cliches as a crutch. Overall, a cliche is an overused expression that has lost its original impact and can be seen as unoriginal or trite.

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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.