WAEC SSCE - Literature In English - 2017

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The expression "It's a matter of sad joy" illustrates an oxymoron. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory or opposite terms in a single phrase or expression. In this case, the words "sad" and "joy" are two antonyms or opposite terms that are juxtaposed in the same sentence, creating a contradictory effect. The phrase implies that there are two conflicting emotions present at the same time. The word "joy" suggests happiness or delight, while the word "sad" suggests a feeling of sorrow or grief. It is possible to experience both emotions simultaneously, and this phrase acknowledges that complexity. Therefore, the phrase "It's a matter of sad joy" is an example of an oxymoron, which highlights the contradictions between opposing concepts, in this case, sadness and joy.

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Akọwa Nkọwa

The phrase "Their silence spoke millions" is an example of a tactile image. This is because it creates a vivid image in the mind of the reader of the powerful, unspoken emotions and fear that the parents are feeling. The use of the word "silence" as if it is a tangible object that can communicate, and the description of it as speaking "millions", creates a sensory experience for the reader that helps to convey the intensity of the situation. Overall, the phrase is a powerful example of the author's use of language to create a mood and atmosphere in the story.

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The protagonist is the leading character in a literary work. This character is often the central figure in the story and is usually the one with whom the reader identifies or sympathizes. The protagonist is usually the hero of the story, and the events and conflicts in the plot revolve around this character. The protagonist is typically the main character who is trying to achieve a goal, overcome obstacles, and ultimately resolve the conflict in the story. The protagonist is often contrasted with the antagonist, who is the character or force that is working against the protagonist and trying to prevent them from achieving their goal. In this way, the protagonist plays a crucial role in shaping the events and outcome of the story, and is often the key factor in determining the overall meaning and message of the work.

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The speaker has just smothered his wife. In the given lines, the speaker, who is Othello, is speaking after he has killed his wife, Desdemona. He is realizing the enormity of his crime and is lamenting the loss of his wife. The repetition of "My wife! My wife! My wife?" indicates his shock and disbelief that he has killed the woman he loved. The phrase "I have no wife" suggests that he has killed her and can no longer claim her as his wife. The phrase "O, insupportable! O heavy hour!" expresses his agony and remorse. Therefore, the correct answer is "Smothered his wife."

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Akọwa Nkọwa

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The speech illustrates the use of irony. Irony is a figure of speech where the meaning of the words is opposite of what is actually said. In this speech, Othello is describing his trusted friend as someone who can be trusted with his wife, but the audience knows that this friend, Iago, is actually plotting against Othello and is far from trustworthy.

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"Death be not proud, though some have called thee might and dreadful" is an example of an apostrophe. In literature, an apostrophe is a figure of speech in which the speaker directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or entity. In this case, the speaker is addressing Death, which is personified as an entity with the ability to take lives. By addressing Death directly and challenging its power, the speaker is using apostrophe to express defiance and courage in the face of death. Therefore, the correct answer is apostrophe.

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One essential feature of drama is conflict. Conflict is a struggle between opposing forces or characters, and it creates tension and drama in the plot. It can be external, such as a physical battle, or internal, such as a character's internal struggle with a decision. Conflict drives the action of the play and keeps the audience engaged. It can create suspense and make the audience emotionally invested in the outcome. Without conflict, a play would be boring and lack tension. Soliloquy, irony, and aside are other features of drama, but they are not as essential as conflict. Soliloquy is a character speaking aloud to themselves, revealing their thoughts and feelings to the audience. Irony is a situation where the opposite of what is expected happens. An aside is a character speaking directly to the audience or to another character but not meant to be heard by the other characters on stage. While these features can add depth and complexity to a play, they are not necessary for it to be considered a drama. Conflict, on the other hand, is a crucial component of any dramatic work.

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The phrase "The family bell summoned us" is an example of personification. Personification is a figure of speech where human qualities are attributed to non-human things. In this case, the bell is given the human quality of being able to summon or call the family members. It creates a vivid and dramatic image of the bell acting like a person and demanding the attention of the family.

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The dominant literary device used in the poem is repetition. Repetition is a literary device that involves repeating a word, phrase, or idea for emphasis, rhythmic effect, or to create a pattern. In this poem, the phrases "rest awhile" and "venture" are repeated to create a rhythmic effect and emphasize the speaker's longing for the subject of the poem, Amina. The repetition of these phrases also creates a sense of anticipation and highlights the speaker's uncertainty about when he will next see Amina. The repeated phrases help to convey the speaker's yearning for Amina's presence and his desire to experience her softness, brightness, and velvety texture once more. Therefore, the dominant literary device used in this poem is repetition, which creates a rhythmic effect and emphasizes the speaker's longing for Amina.

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The answer is "A Limerick." A Limerick is a type of poem that consists of five lines. The first two lines rhyme with the last, while the third and fourth lines have their own rhyme. Limericks are often humorous in nature and can have a bouncy or sing-song quality to them. They are commonly used in children's literature and are a fun way to teach kids about poetry and rhyme.

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An epic is a narrative poem that relates heroic exploits. It typically tells the story of a hero or a group of heroes who face extraordinary challenges and overcome them through courage, wit, or strength. The hero's actions often have a significant impact on their society, and their deeds are celebrated by the people around them. Epics are often characterized by their length, complexity, and grandeur. They are usually composed in a formal style, with elevated language and a metered structure. Examples of famous epics include Homer's "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey," Virgil's "The Aeneid," and Beowulf. Overall, epics are an important part of the literary canon and have been used throughout history to celebrate the values and ideals of a society, as well as to provide entertainment and inspiration.

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Iago is upset about Cassio's appointment as Lieutenant and believes that Cassio is not a good soldier. Iago thinks that Cassio's military skills are just talk and not backed up by actual actions. Iago believes that Cassio only got the appointment because of his relationship with Othello and not because of his abilities as a soldier.

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Dramatis personae is the same as the cast. It is a Latin term that literally translates to "persons of the drama" and refers to the list of characters in a play or dramatic work. The cast refers to the group of actors who perform the various roles in a play. Therefore, the correct answer is "Cast."

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The poem evokes the senses of sight and hearing. The speaker talks about wanting to see Amina's smile and hear her soft voice again. The speaker also describes Amina venturing out into the moonlight, which creates a visual image. Additionally, the speaker talks about dreaming of touching Amina's "velvety texture," which implies a sense of touch, but this is not explicitly mentioned in the poem. Therefore, sight and hearing are the two senses that are most prominently evoked in this poem.

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The play on words for literary effect is called a pun. A pun is a form of wordplay that exploits multiple meanings of a term or phrase, or the similarity of sound between two words with different meanings, for humorous or rhetorical effect. It is a type of figurative language that can add humor, wit, or cleverness to a text. For example, "I'm reading a book on anti-gravity. It's impossible to put down!" In this pun, the word "put down" has two meanings, one of which is literal (to physically place something down) and the other is figurative (to stop reading or to criticize something harshly). The pun plays on the multiple meanings of the phrase to create a humorous effect.

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"Over the cobbles it clattered and crashed" is an example of Onomatopoeia. Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech in which words imitate the sounds they describe. In this example, the words "clattered" and "crashed" imitate the sound of something rolling or moving roughly over a hard surface. Onomatopoeic words are often used in poetry and prose to create a more vivid and memorable description of sounds, and to help the reader experience a sensory connection to the words on the page.

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The underlined expression means "Make the best out of this". The speaker is advising Brabantio, a father, to handle a situation with care and try to make the best out of it, instead of using force or violence. The speaker is suggesting that it is better to find a peaceful solution rather than resorting to physical means.

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The poet's tone in the given lines is one of nostalgia. Nostalgia is a feeling of longing or wistfulness for a past time or experience. In this poem, the speaker expresses a sense of longing and uncertainty about when they will be able to experience the pleasant memories of being with Amina again. They remember her smile and the sound of her voice, and dream of being close to her once more. The use of phrases such as "I know not" and "when again" emphasizes the speaker's sense of uncertainty and anticipation. The mention of the "silver moonshine" and "velvety texture" create a dreamy and romantic atmosphere, contributing to the overall feeling of nostalgia and longing for something that is no longer present. Overall, the tone of nostalgia in the poem reflects the speaker's desire to recapture a happy moment from the past, and the uncertainty of whether they will be able to experience it again in the future.

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In this passage from Shakespeare's Othello, "his soldiership" refers to Cassio. Iago is speaking about Cassio to Roderigo, and he is saying that Cassio is all talk and no action when it comes to being a soldier. However, Iago admits that Cassio was still chosen for the position of lieutenant, despite his lack of experience in actual combat, because of his good reputation and recommendation by Othello. Iago is frustrated with this decision because he believes that he is more qualified and deserving of the promotion.

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The poet's intention is to show contempt. They are referring to something as a "bug" and using words like "stinks" and "stings" to suggest that it is unpleasant and unworthy. The use of "gilded wings" and "painted child of dirt" contrasts with this negativity, emphasizing the poet's negative view. The overall tone is one of disdain and criticism.

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A short single act drama is called a playlet. A playlet is a brief play that typically consists of only one act or scene. It is usually shorter than a one-act play and is often performed as part of a larger program or event. Playlets can be comedies or dramas and may be used to showcase the talents of actors or to explore a particular theme or issue. Therefore, the correct answer is "Playlet."

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The passage is written in the first-person point of view. The use of first-person pronouns such as "we," "I," and "us" indicates that the narrator is a part of the story and is directly involved in the events that are being described. The passage describes the experience of the narrator and their family during a turbulent and scary night, where they heard the cry "non-indigenes must go" and feared for their safety. The use of first-person point of view also allows the reader to connect with the narrator's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The narrator describes their dreams, their concern for their parents, and the fear that they felt during the night. This helps the reader to understand the impact that the events had on the narrator and their family. Therefore, the passage is written in the first-person point of view, which allows the reader to connect with the narrator's experiences and emotions.

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Othello is speaking to the Duke. In this scene, Othello is addressing the Duke and the members of the Venetian council to explain his recent marriage to Desdemona. He introduces his ancient, or trusted ensign, and explains that he has left his wife, Desdemona, in the care of this person while he attends to his duties. By referring to "your grace," Othello is addressing the Duke specifically, as he is the highest-ranking person in the room.

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Catharsis is normally associated with Tragedy. Catharsis refers to a release of strong emotions, such as fear and pity, that the audience experiences when watching a tragic play. Tragedy is a genre of drama that typically depicts the downfall of a hero or protagonist, often as a result of a tragic flaw or mistake, and the audience experiences a range of emotions as they witness the events unfold. The cathartic effect is seen as a purging or cleansing of these emotions, allowing the audience to feel a sense of relief and release.

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The alliteration in "stinks and stings" effectively conveys distaste. Alliteration is a literary device that involves the repetition of consonant sounds in close proximity. In this case, the repeated "s" sound draws attention to the unpleasant aspects of the subject being described. The words "stinks" and "stings" also have negative connotations, which reinforces the sense of distaste being conveyed. Overall, the alliteration in "stinks and stings" helps to create a vivid and negative image in the reader's mind, which supports the idea that the speaker is expressing distaste.

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A literary work in which the characters are animals is called a "fable." A fable is a short story that typically features animals or inanimate objects that are personified and act as characters. These characters are often used to teach a moral or lesson to the reader, and the story usually ends with a simple and memorable statement summarizing the moral. Fables have been used for centuries as a way to teach and entertain people of all ages. They are often written for children and are used to help them learn about values such as honesty, kindness, and hard work in a fun and engaging way. Some famous examples of fables include "The Tortoise and the Hare," "The Boy Who Cried Wolf," and "The Ant and the Grasshopper." Therefore, "fable" is the correct answer as it best describes a literary work in which the characters are animals, and the story is used to teach a moral or lesson.

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The speaker in the above lines is Othello. Othello is a character in William Shakespeare's play "Othello," and he is the protagonist of the play. These lines are spoken by Othello in Act V, Scene Two, and they reflect his emotional state and his struggle to come to terms with the events that have transpired in the play. Othello is a military man who is deeply in love with his wife, Desdemona. However, he becomes consumed by jealousy and doubt, fueled by the lies and manipulation of the character Iago. As a result, Othello begins to doubt Desdemona's faithfulness and eventually kills her, only to realize too late that she was innocent. In these lines, Othello is expressing his feelings of disbelief and despair at what he has done. He wishes that the world would go dark, as if there were an eclipse of the sun and moon, to reflect the darkness and sorrow that he feels. These lines reveal Othello's deep emotional turmoil and the devastating effects of jealousy and manipulation on his life and relationships.

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The statement "Ten thousand saw I at a glance" illustrates hyperbole. Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which an exaggeration is made for emphasis or effect. In this statement, the speaker is exaggerating the number of people they saw, using "ten thousand" as an exaggerated number. This exaggeration serves to emphasize the overwhelming number of people the speaker saw, making it a perfect example of hyperbole.

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Othello entrusts Desdemona to his ancient's (Iago) care. In the given lines, Othello is speaking to the Duke and he requests permission to leave for Cyprus to lead the military campaign there. Othello tells the Duke that he trusts his ancient, Iago, completely and will leave his wife, Desdemona, in his care. The phrase "To his conveyance I assign my wife" means that Othello is leaving Desdemona in Iago's care. Therefore, the correct answer is "Entrusts Desdemona to Iago's care."

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The climax in a literary work is the peak of the conflict. It is the moment of greatest tension and emotional intensity in the story, where the conflict reaches its highest point and the outcome is decided. The climax is often the most memorable and impactful part of the story, as it is where the reader's investment in the characters and the plot is most strongly felt. The climax is a crucial part of the story, as it is where the main themes and ideas of the work are most fully realized. It is the moment where the characters are pushed to their limits and must confront their greatest challenges, and where the reader sees the consequences of their actions. The climax usually occurs towards the end of the story, after the rising action has built up to a crescendo. After the climax, the story begins to wind down towards its resolution, where the loose ends are tied up and the conflict is resolved. Overall, the climax is a crucial part of any well-crafted story, as it is where the narrative tension and emotional stakes of the work come to a head.

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