JAMB UTME - Literature In English - 2024

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In literature, a long narrative poem that relates heroic exploits is called an epic. An epic is a grand and extended poem that tells the story of a hero's adventures, challenges, and achievements. These poems often involve battles, legendary deeds, and elements of mythology. Famous examples of epics include "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" by Homer, and "The Aeneid" by Virgil. Unlike other forms of poetry which may deal with personal feelings or praise, an epic focuses on the extraordinary actions and characteristics of a hero or group of heroes, portraying their significance in shaping history or culture.

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In Wole Soyinka's play The Lion and the Jewel, Lakunle declines to pay the bride price for Sidi because he perceives tradition, particularly in the form of bride price, as barbaric. Lakunle is depicted as a modernist character who embraces Western ideals and education. He believes that certain traditional practices, like the bride price, are outdated and irrational.

Lakunle views these customs as obstacles to progress and enlightenment. He argues that bride price reduces women to commodities that can be bought and sold, which he finds degrading and an affront to his ideals of equality and modernity. By refusing to pay the bride price, Lakunle attempts to differentiate himself from what he sees as the archaic customs of his society and strives to introduce new ways of thinking that he considers more civilized and progressive.

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The **events that make up the story** are collectively known as the **plot**. In literature, the plot is the structured sequence of events and actions that develop the narrative. These events are carefully arranged to create tension, resolve conflicts, and ultimately lead to a climax and resolution. The plot is a fundamental element that drives the story forward and keeps the reader engaged.

Let's briefly understand the other terms mentioned to avoid confusion:

• **Setting**: This refers to the time and place in which the story unfolds. It provides the background against which the plot occurs.
• **Atmosphere**: This is the feeling or mood that the writer creates through descriptive language, setting, and character interactions.
• **Theme**: The theme is the central idea or underlying message that the writer wants to convey through the story. It is more abstract compared to the tangible events of the plot.

In summary, while setting, atmosphere, and theme contribute to the richness of a story, the **plot** is specifically the arrangements of events that form the backbone of the narrative.

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In Buchi Emecheta's novel "Second Class Citizen", Adah is quite obsessed with the sleek woman at the hospital primarily because the woman has a doting husband. This obsession is deeply tied to Adah's personal experiences and longings. Adah's marriage with Francis is fraught with challenges and lacks emotional support. Therefore, when she sees the husband of the sleek woman displaying love and care, it becomes a stark contrast to her own life. This encounter highlights Adah's yearning for a loving and supportive relationship, something she greatly desires but finds absent in her own marriage. This underlying emotional craving makes the woman's experience particularly captivating to Adah.

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In literary terms, the **leading character** in a literary work is often referred to as the protagonist. The protagonist is the character who typically drives the story forward and around whom the main plot is centered. This character can be the hero of the story, but not always. They are the ones whose actions, desires, and personal growth are most crucial to the narrative. The audience usually forms a connection with the protagonist, understanding their motivations and supporting their journey. While other characters like the antagonist, villain, or anti-hero may play significant roles, it is primarily the protagonist who embodies the principal focus of the story.

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To determine the rhyme scheme, we need to examine the endings of each line in the stanza. A rhyme scheme is a pattern of rhymes at the end of each line of a poem or song. We represent it with letters, assigning the same letter to lines that rhyme with each other and a different letter to those that don't.

Let's look at the provided poem excerpt:

- Lonely road,

- Not a star

- Lonely road

- Shadows far

- And quiet

Now, let's break it down:

• The ending word of the first line is "road." We can mark it with the letter A.
• The second line ends with "star," which does not rhyme with "road," so we mark it with B.
• The third line ends with "road." This rhymes with the first line, so we again mark it with A.
• The fourth line ends with "far," which rhymes with the second line "star." We mark it with B.
• The fifth line ends with "quiet," which does not rhyme with any of the above lines, so we mark it with C.

Thus, the rhyme scheme for the excerpt is: ababc.

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According to the excerpt, football is described as a sport that is "truly global". This means that it is played and appreciated worldwide, crossing geographical, cultural, and economic boundaries. The excerpt emphasizes its simplicity and inexpensiveness, making it accessible to a wide range of people regardless of their location or economic status. The mention of it being found in diverse places such as a Marseille banlieue, a Lagos slum, and a Buenos Aires barrio highlights how football is played in various environments around the world. Consequently, the statement that best aligns with the excerpt is that football is a universal game, as it indeed captures its widespread presence and appeal globally.

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In John Osborne's play Look Back in Anger, Jimmy Porter's hamartia, or tragic flaw, is his intense anger. This deep-seated rage permeates his interactions and fuels much of the play's dramatic tension. Jimmy's anger stems from his dissatisfaction with his life, his disillusionment with the British class system, and his overwhelming sense of being trapped in a world that he feels offers little opportunity for genuine expression or change.

His anger often manifests through scathing verbal attacks on those around him, including his wife Alison and his friend Cliff. This anger drives the narrative and leads to personal and relational conflicts, ultimately contributing to his isolation and the breakdown of his relationships.

While pride, jealousy, and infidelity also play roles in his character and the play, it is his anger that is the most pronounced and destructive flaw, impacting his life and relationships profoundly.

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Osundare's "The Leader and the Led" is best described as **satiric**.

This poem satirically explores the dynamics of leadership and followership by using **animals as metaphors** to represent different types of leaders and followers. Through these animal characters, Osundare demonstrates the challenges and absurdities of governance and the struggle for effective leadership.

The poem frequently uses **humor and irony** to criticize the flaws within different styles of leadership, showcasing the folly in the pursuit of power and the consequences of poorly balanced leadership dynamics.

By portraying these ideas through **satirical narrative**, Osundare encourages readers to reflect critically on the nature of leadership in their own lives and societies.

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In John Osborne's play, Look Back in Anger, the characters Alison and Jimmy Porter have their living arrangements mentioned in the context of their early marital life. During the first month of their marriage, the couple is accommodated by Hugh Tanner, who is a close friend of Jimmy's. This arrangement highlights the couple’s reliance on Jimmy's social circle and friendships, and it reflects the economic constraints they face. Hugh Tanner's role is significant as it underscores the support system that Jimmy and Alison lean on during the initial phase of their marriage.

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The rhetorical device used in the excerpt above is Parallelism.

Parallelism is a literary and rhetorical device that involves using components in a sentence that are grammatically the same or similar in their construction, sound, meaning, or meter. The purpose of parallelism is to give a sense of rhythm and balance to a sentence, making it easier to follow and understand.

In the provided excerpt, the parallel structure can be seen in the repeated grammatical form of the phrases, which includes: “to investigate”, “to conciliate”, “to hold hearings”, “to order reinstatement”, and “to direct the appointment”. Each of these phrases begins with "to" followed by a verb, creating a balanced and rhythmical construction.

Such a structure helps to emphasize the range and scope of the commission's powers by listing them in a uniform and equal manner, thus drawing attention to each of these actions as being equally significant. This is a characteristic feature of parallelism.

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The dominant literary device in Senghor's Black Woman is the metaphor.

Explanation:

1. In literature, a metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two different things by stating that one is the other, without using "like" or "as." This device is used to create a more vivid and impactful image in the reader's mind.

2. In Senghor's Black Woman, the poet uses metaphors extensively to describe the beauty, strength, and essence of the black woman. For example, he often compares the black woman to objects, natural entities, or abstract concepts, suggesting that she embodies these qualities entirely, rather than just possessing characteristics similar to them.

3. The use of metaphors in the poem helps to elevate the black woman to a symbol of both physical and spiritual beauty, emphasizing her significance and the deep respect the poet holds for her.

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A poem of eight rhyming lines is called an octave. An octave consists of eight lines in a poem, and these lines often share a common rhyme scheme or pattern. Traditionally, octaves are used in various poetic forms like the Italian sonnet, where it serves as the first part of the poem, followed by a sestet. An octave should not be confused with other forms such as:

• Quatrain: This is a stanza or a complete poem consisting of four lines with a rhyme scheme.
• Sonnet: A sonnet is a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and meter.
• Limerick: A limerick is a humorous five-line poem with a rhyme scheme of AABBA.

In summary, the defining feature of an octave is that it is composed of eight lines, making it distinct from other poetic structures with differing line counts.

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In Buchi Emecheta's novel "Second Class Citizen," the main challenge Adah encounters in England is primarily related to her identity as a black person. This issue is multifaceted and compounded by the various forms of discrimination and prejudice she faces, such as racial discrimination and the cultural challenges associated with being an immigrant.

Adah experiences racial prejudice, which affects many aspects of her life, from finding housing to dealing with societal perceptions. Often, she is treated as a "second-class" citizen, which impacts her self-esteem and her ability to integrate fully into society. Additionally, she encounters stereotypes and expectations associated with her race, which compound her struggle for acceptance.

However, it is important to acknowledge that Adah's experiences are also shaped by intersecting challenges of being a woman in a patriarchal society and facing financial constraints. Yet, the primary hurdle remains the pervasive issue of racial discrimination, which influences most other challenges she encounters.

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The Lion and the Jewel is best described as a comedy.

Here are some reasons to support this classification:

1. Humorous Elements: The play includes numerous moments of humor and satire. There are character interactions and dialogues that provoke laughter by highlighting human follies and societal norms. Soyinka uses wit and clever wordplay to add layers of humor.

2. Character Archetypes: Characters in the play often exhibit exaggerated traits that are typical of comedic archetypes. For instance, Baroka, the chief, is depicted with attributes of vanity and cunning, which adds to the humor. Similarly, Lakunle, the schoolteacher, is portrayed as an idealistic, somewhat naïve figure, contributing to the comedic effect.

3. Social Commentary: Through comedy, Soyinka provides commentary on the clash between tradition and modernity. Social norms, cultural clashes, and the dynamics between different generations are depicted in a light-hearted yet insightful manner.

4. Celebratory Outcome: Unlike tragedy or melodrama which often end in sorrow or intense conflict, a comedy typically has a positive, celebratory ending. In The Lion and the Jewel, the resolution of the plot involves bringing humor and acceptance to the fore, showcasing a restoration of social order and personal relationships, often concluding on a joyful note.

Overall, by using satirical elements, stereotyped characters, and a lighthearted narrative style, Wole Soyinka effectively crafts a play that fits into the category of a comedy. Thus, The Lion and the Jewel should be understood as a comedic exploration of cultural themes.

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In T.S. Eliot's "Journey of the Magi," the phrase "six hands at an open door" is an example of synecdoche.

Here's why:

Synecdoche is a literary figure of speech where a part of something is used to represent the whole, or vice versa. In this phrase, "six hands" are used to represent people. The hands are a part of a person, with the implication that there are three people involved (each typically having two hands) tending to or meeting at the open door. By mentioning only the "hands," Eliot is using a part to represent the whole person, which is characteristic of synecdoche.

It's important to note that the phrase is not an example of irony, as irony involves expressing something by saying the opposite or using a tone that suggests the opposite of what is being said. It is also not alliteration, which involves the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, nor is it metonymy, which involves substituting a related term for the actual thing or concept.

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The novel "Unexpected Joy at Dawn" by Alex Agyei-Agyiri is set in both Nigeria and Ghana. This setting is central to the narrative as it explores the themes of identity, migration, and family. The plot revolves around the lives of individuals who have connections to both countries, highlighting the socio-political and cultural interactions between them.

The story particularly focuses on the experiences of Ghanaians in Nigeria during the 1980s, a period marked by significant political and economic changes, including the expulsion of undocumented migrants from Nigeria. This backdrop is essential as it creates a realistic and relatable context for the characters' challenges and growth, making the setting of both Nigeria and Ghana crucial to delivering the novel's themes effectively.

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One of the major ideas expressed in John Donne's "The Good Morrow" is that true love will never die. Other types of love may prove to be temporary, but true love will stand the test of time. We find this idea in the third stanza of the poem, where the poet's persona states: 'My face in thine eyes,/ thine in mine appears/ And true plain hearts do in the faces rest." Their love for each other shows in their eyes.

Furthermore, the poet's persona refers to himself and his lover as "two hemispheres" and claims that "whatever dies was not mixed equally;/ if two lovers be one, or, thou and I/ Love so alike, that none do slacken, none can die." Here, he states that both of them are not only halves of one entity but a complete union of two souls. Their love will never die because their love is not a mere union of bodies; it is a union of souls. All of these portray the immortality of their love.  

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Wachuk is Idem's husband. He works at a printing press in Mafoluku.

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In Buchi Emecheta's novel, "Second Class Citizen," Adah's disappointment is primarily rooted in the **discrimination against the blacks**. When Adah moves to England, she initially has the perception that it will be a land of opportunity and equality. However, she quickly experiences the harsh reality of being treated as a second-class citizen.

The **discrimination** manifests in various forms, including racial prejudice and unequal opportunities. Adah struggles with societal attitudes that are dismissive and demeaning towards individuals of African descent. She faces **prejudicial treatment** in day-to-day interactions, employment, and housing. This systemic discrimination creates numerous barriers and challenges for Adah, hindering her ability to achieve her aspirations and severely impacting her experience in England.

Overall, Adah's story in the novel underscores her feelings of **disillusionment and frustration** due to the pervasive racial discrimination she encounters, which stands in stark contrast to her initial hopes and expectations. The **racial bias** she faces highlights the broader theme of racial inequality addressed in the book.

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Lawrence's "Bats" is a dramatic monologue. A dramatic monologue is a type of poem in which a single speaker, who is not the poet, addresses an audience or a particular listener. The speaker reveals their character and personal thoughts through their speech. This literary form provides insight into the speaker’s mind and intentions.

In "Bats," the speaker describes their personal feelings and reflections upon witnessing bats in the evening, revealing a lot about their emotions and perspectives. The poem is focused on the speaker's view and this introspective element is characteristic of a dramatic monologue.

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The novel "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte is set in the mid 18th century, which corresponds to the late 1700s and early 1800s. This time period is significant as it falls within the Georgian era in England, a time of social hierarchy and class distinctions. The story's setting is primarily on the Yorkshire Moors, creating an intense and atmospheric backdrop that complements the tumultuous relationships and events in the novel. The historical context and setting influence the characters' behaviors and societal expectations, as personal and class conflicts play a crucial role in the narrative.

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One Chibuike's "A Government Driver on His Retirement" is a narrative poem. It narrates the tragic story of a government driver on the day of his retirement. He chooses to celebrate with alcohol after years of being sober and carefully to his duties. However, he drinks too much and he heads home in his car. This intoxication is what leads to his tragic death. The poem teaches the devastating impact of intoxication and poor decisions and how it can undo all the good that we have done. 

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The excerpt "But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams" from Maya Angelou's "Caged Bird" uses metaphorical language to convey a deep message about the limitations imposed on the bird. Here, the "caged bird" symbolizes someone who is unable to achieve their aspirations or freedom due to restrictions or constraints. When the text mentions that the bird "stands on the grave of dreams," it indicates that the bird's dreams and aspirations are buried and no longer attainable because of the cage it is confined in. It cannot break free to pursue what it desires.

This phrase suggests that the caged bird will experience **frustration**, as it sees its dreams metaphorically buried and unattainable. The bird is unable to realize its true potential because it is held back by the confines of its cage. This represents a broader commentary on individuals and communities who face systemic barriers that prevent them from pursuing their dreams and achieving their full potential.

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The collection of images within a literary work is referred to as imagery. Imagery involves the use of descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid mental pictures in the mind of the reader. Writers use this technique to enhance their stories, evoke emotions, and create a more engaging and immersive experience for the reader.

It is important to note that while individual pictures or illustrations in a text can be called images, the broader and more artistic concept that encompasses a series of images throughout the text is termed imagery. Through the skillful use of imagery, authors can convey complex ideas, emotions, and atmospheres without spelling them out explicitly.

Symbolism, on the other hand, involves using symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them meanings different from their literal sense. A caesura is a break or pause in a line of poetry, typically near the middle, used for emphasis or to maintain rhythm. These concepts serve different functions in literature compared to imagery.

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A panegyric poem is a poem that formally praises someone or something publicly. Oumar Farouk Sesay's "The Song of the Women of My Land" is written to recognise the efforts of the women in colonial Sierra Leone. He praises them for their resilience despite the harsh and oppressive conditions that they faced. 

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Jimmy Porter, the protagonist in John Osborne's "Look Back in Anger," finds common ground with Cliff Lewis primarily because they both belong to the working class. This shared social background creates an understanding and camaraderie between them.

While Jimmy often feels alienated and angry due to his experiences with people from higher social classes, Cliff's similar social standing allows Jimmy to connect with him without the tensions and resentments that arise from class differences. Cliff's working-class status creates a comfortable environment for their friendship, as they share common experiences and perspectives. Thus, their relationship is strengthened by this shared understanding, which is why Jimmy easily gets along with Cliff.

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The character that Heathcliff considered himself the second half of is Catherine Earnshaw.

To explain this, it's important to explore the deep and complex relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw in Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. Throughout the novel, Heathcliff and Catherine share a bond that transcends ordinary friendship or romantic love. Their connection is so profound that they often describe themselves as being a part of each other.

Catherine, in a famed quote from the novel, declares, "I am Heathcliff!" This statement reveals that she perceives Heathcliff not just as an individual, but as an integral part of her own identity. Their bond is characterized by intense emotional dependency and a sense of completeness when they are together, leading Heathcliff to regard Catherine as his other half.

Heathcliff's actions and emotions throughout the story underscore how much he feels Catherine is a part of him, further emphasizing that he sees himself incomplete without her. This idea is central to the narrative and heavily influences their motivations and actions.

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Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights" is a complex novel characterized by its intricate narrative structure and deep exploration of human emotions. The structure of the novel is primarily based on two major conflicts: **love** and **passion**.

Love is a central theme in the novel, manifesting through various relationships. The most significant example is **the tumultuous and transcendent love** between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. Their love is depicted as intense and unbreakable, yet it is also destructive, leading to turmoil for themselves and those around them. The tension between societal expectations and personal desires creates a continuous conflict within the narrative.

Passion in "Wuthering Heights" drives many characters' actions and decisions, contributing to the novel's central conflicts. Heathcliff's passionate pursuit for revenge is fueled by his deep-seated emotions for Catherine and the perceived injustices he has faced. This passion underlies much of the plot's tension and propels the story forward.

The interplay between **love** and **passion** in "Wuthering Heights" creates a dynamic and engaging narrative, leading to various dramatic and emotional developments. Exploring these conflicts allows readers to delve into the complexities of human emotions and understand the motivations that drive the characters' actions.

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Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights is best described as a Victorian novel. Here's a comprehensive explanation:

Victorian Novel: The term "Victorian" relates to the period during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). Wuthering Heights was published in 1847, during the early part of this era. Victorian novels often deal with issues such as class, society, and morality, exploring the complexities of human emotions and social conventions. Wuthering Heights fits this description as it delves into themes of passion, revenge, social class, and the nature of love, making it a quintessential part of nineteenth-century English literature.

Now let's briefly understand why it does not fit the other descriptions:

Renaissance Prose: This refers to literary works from the Renaissance period, which occurred from the 14th to the 17th century, much earlier than the Victorian era. Hence, Wuthering Heights does not belong to this category.

French Fiction: Although French literature has its unique style and themes, Wuthering Heights was written by an English author, Emily Brontë, and set in the English moorlands, making it distinctly English.

English Autobiography: An autobiography is a self-written account of the author's life. Wuthering Heights is a fictional story and not a portrayal of Brontë's personal life; thus, it cannot be categorized as an autobiography.

In summary, due to its publication during the Victorian era and its exploration of the themes characteristic of that time, Wuthering Heights is best classified as a Victorian novel.