JAMB UTME - Literature In English - 2023

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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 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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A novel that features spiritual apparitions as major characters is typically classified as a Gothic novel. Gothic literature is a genre that originated in the 18th century and often includes supernatural elements, such as ghosts, monsters, and other eerie occurrences. In Gothic novels, spiritual apparitions play significant roles in influencing the plot and creating a sense of mystery and suspense. These apparitions can be depicted as haunting or supernatural entities that interact with the human characters, usually with a lingering sense of terror or foreboding. They often symbolize unresolved conflicts, inner fears, or the consequences of past actions. Gothic novels aim to evoke strong emotions in readers, such as fear, horror, and fascination. By introducing spiritual apparitions as major characters, authors create an atmosphere of the supernatural and supernatural occurrences, heightening the tension and suspense in the narrative. These apparitions serve as catalysts for the central conflicts and themes of the story, enriching the overall reading experience. In summary, a novel that features spiritual apparitions as major characters is most likely classified as a Gothic novel, as this genre specifically incorporates supernatural elements and creates an atmosphere of mystery and suspense.

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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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The subject matter of a literary work refers to the main topic or idea that the work explores. It is the overarching theme or concept that the author wants to convey through their writing. While all the options mentioned (theme, plot, structure, and setting) are important elements in a literary work, the subject matter specifically refers to the deeper meaning or message that the author wants to communicate to the reader.
Theme: The theme of a literary work is the central idea or message that the author is trying to convey. It is the underlying meaning or moral of the story. For example, the theme of a novel could be love, friendship, or the struggle between good and evil.
Plot: The plot of a literary work refers to the sequence of events and actions that occur in the story. It includes the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. While the plot helps to develop the subject matter, it is not the actual subject matter itself.
Structure: The structure of a literary work refers to how the story is organized and presented. It includes elements such as the narrative style, point of view, and use of flashbacks or foreshadowing. The structure can enhance the delivery of the subject matter, but it is not the subject matter in itself.
Setting: The setting of a literary work refers to the time, place, and environment in which the story takes place. While the setting can contribute to the overall mood and tone of the work, it is not the subject matter. The subject matter may be explored within a specific setting, but it goes beyond just the physical or temporal backdrop of the story.
In summary, while all the options mentioned play a role in a literary work, the subject matter is the central topic or idea that the author intends to convey to the reader. It is the deeper meaning or message that the work explores.

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The theme of this excerpt is **the poet's appalling remarks about the bird**. In this excerpt, the poet describes bats as creatures that "hang themselves up like an old rag" and sleep "disgustingly upside down." This implies that the poet views bats in a negative light and finds their behavior revolting. Therefore, the theme of the excerpt is the poet's appalling remarks about the bird. The other options do not accurately reflect the overall tone and message conveyed by the poet's words in this particular excerpt.

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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 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.

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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.

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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 line "The sun used to smile in my hut" is an example of personification.
Personification is a figure of speech where human qualities or characteristics are given to non-human objects or ideas. In this line, the sun is being described as smiling, which is a human quality.
The other options - - Apostrophe: Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which someone absent, dead, or non-human is addressed as if they were present and able to reply. This is not the case in the given line, as the sun is not being directly addressed. - Rhetorical Question: A rhetorical question is a question asked for effect or to make a point, rather than to get an answer. The given line is not a question, so it does not fit this category. - Zeugma: Zeugma is a figure of speech in which a word is used in two different ways in the same sentence. The given line does not have such usage.
Therefore, the correct answer is personification.

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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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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 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 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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The phrase 'She swallowed it all, just like a nasty pill' employs the literary device of simile. A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'. In this case, the author compares the act of swallowing a nasty pill to accepting a difficult situation.

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Parallelism is a literary device that uses the same grammatical structure in all parts of a sentence. In the passage, the speaker asks a series of questions that follow the same structure, which is a clear example of parallelism. Onomatopoeia refers to words that imitate the natural sounds of a thing. Metaphor is a figure of speech that makes an implicit, implied, or hidden comparison between two things that are unrelated, but share some common characteristics. Simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between two different things.

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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.

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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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A trilogy is a sequence of three plays, stories, or books that are usually connected and tell a larger, overall story. It can be written by the same author or have related authors. The important point about a trilogy is that it consists of three parts or pieces that are meant to be read or seen together as a whole. So, in summary, a trilogy is a set of three interconnected plays, stories, or books.

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The passage reveals that Jibunoh symbolizes **lawlessness**. This is evident from the various actions and behavior mentioned about Jibunoh. He was hated by all his neighbors and deserted by his relations, indicating that he did not follow societal norms or adhere to proper conduct. He was the first and only person to beat a policeman, showing a lack of respect for authority and breaking the law. Additionally, he had ten cases instituted against him for stealing or violating the rights of others, further highlighting his disregard for the law and the rights of others. The passage also mentions that Jibunoh had no regard for decency or normal conduct, and that no lover of peace or order could be his friend. Finally, his death elicited jubilation instead of mourning, indicating that his presence and actions were not seen as positive or beneficial by those around him. Overall, Jibunoh's character represents lawlessness in the passage.

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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.

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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 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 dominant poetic device in the excerpt is imagery. Imagery is when language is used to create vivid mental images or sensory experiences in the reader's mind. In this excerpt, the use of descriptive language like "Where light pushes through", "A sudden turning upon itself of a thing in the air", and "A dip to the water" appeals to the reader's senses and helps them visualize and experience the scene being described. The line "And you think: 'The swallows are flying so late!'" also contributes to the imagery as it evokes the image of swallows flying and creates a sense of surprise or wonder in the reader's mind. Therefore, the dominant poetic device in this excerpt is imagery as it uses descriptive language to create vivid images and sensory experiences.

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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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Oxymoron is a rhetorical term that describes words or phrases that, when placed together, create paradoxes or contradictions. These contradictions seem foolish but, when we think about them a bit, often turn out to be sharp observations about our world.

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A long story that narrates a series of complicated events is called a saga. A saga is a term often used to describe an epic or grand tale that spans a significant period of time and involves multiple characters and plotlines. Sagas typically involve dramatic or adventurous events and are known for their extensive and intricate storytelling. So, if you come across a lengthy narrative that weaves together complex events, it is likely a saga.

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A formal dignified speech or writing praising a person or thing for past or present deeds is called a eulogy. A eulogy is typically delivered at a funeral or memorial service to honor and remember the deceased. It is a way to acknowledge their life, achievements, and impact on others. Eulogies are meant to be respectful and heartfelt tributes, highlighting the positive aspects of the person's life and their accomplishments. It is a way for friends and family to offer their condolences and remember the person who has passed away.

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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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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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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 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 tragic character is the person whose experiences arouse pity and **sympathy**. When we say that a character is tragic, it means that they face great adversity or misfortune in their life. This could be due to their own actions or because of circumstances beyond their control. As we witness their struggles and challenges, we feel a deep sense of empathy and sorrow for them. We can relate to their pain and suffering, and we hope for a positive resolution to their situation. The tragic character's plight evokes strong emotions of sympathy and compassion in us as we watch their story unfold.

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The master in the passage above is in a state of *trance*.

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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.

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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 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 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 moment of recognition of truth when ignorance gives way to knowledge is called **Anagnorisis**. Anagnorisis is a Greek word that can be translated as "recognition" or "discovery". In literature and drama, it refers to a significant moment in a character's story when they suddenly understand their true identity, the nature of their situation, or the consequences of their actions. This moment of realization often comes as a surprise to the character and can have a profound impact on the development of the plot. It allows the character to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships, or the world around them. This recognition can be a turning point in the story, leading to important decisions or changes in the character's behavior. So, in summary, anagnorisis is the moment in which a character in a story or play realizes the truth and gains knowledge that was previously unknown to them.