2012 JAMB LITERATURE PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

An allegory is a literary work in which characters and events symbolize broader themes and concepts. This device allows writers to convey complex ideas and moral lessons through symbolic representation. The other options, such as characterization, metaphor, and parallelism, do not specifically involve the use of symbols for characters and events.

Characterization in a novel refers to the way the characters are revealed to the reader. This includes their traits, behaviors, and interactions, which help build a comprehensive understanding of each character’s personality and role within the story. The other options do not accurately describe the process of characterization.

Verbal irony is a device in which the speaker means the opposite of what they say. This form of irony is used to create humor, sarcasm, or emphasize a point by stating something contrary to the intended meaning. The other options do not accurately define verbal irony.

In theater, an aside is a line spoken by a character intended only for the audience’s ears, revealing inner thoughts or plans without other characters on stage hearing them. This technique adds depth to the character and provides insight into their motivations. The other options, such as soliloquy, acoustic, and tone, do not specifically describe this dramatic device.

Drama is the representation of a complete series of actions by means of speech, movement, and gesture for the stage, screen, and radio. This multifaceted approach allows for dynamic storytelling across various mediums, engaging audiences through visual and auditory elements. The other options limit drama to specific settings or exclude essential elements like speech.

A poet’s use of regular rhythm is known as metre. Metre refers to the structured pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a poem, providing a rhythmic foundation that enhances the musical quality and flow of the verse. The other options pertain to different poetic devices that do not specifically involve rhythm.

Drama is a literary genre that directly imitates human action through dialogue and performance. It brings characters and their interactions to life on stage or screen, allowing audiences to witness the unfolding of events in real-time. The other options, such as comedy, prose, and poetry, either focus on humor, narrative without performance, or lyrical expression, respectively.

A fable is a story in which animals or things are used as characters to illustrate moral lessons or truths. This literary form employs anthropomorphism to convey ethical messages in an engaging and memorable manner. The other options do not accurately describe the primary characteristics of a fable.

An oxymoron is the juxtaposition of two contrasting ideas in a line of poetry. This figure of speech combines contradictory terms to create a paradoxical effect, enhancing the complexity and depth of the poem’s themes. The other options do not specifically involve contrasting ideas placed side by side.

The main aim of caricature is to ridicule. Caricature exaggerates certain features or characteristics of a person or subject to highlight flaws or shortcomings, often for humorous or critical effect. The other options focus on different objectives that do not align with the primary purpose of caricature.

The figure of speech in the lines above is apostrophe. The speaker directly addresses an abstract concept, “Ceremony,” as if it were a person, seeking its worth and essence. This device adds emotional intensity and emphasizes the speaker’s yearning for understanding. The other options do not accurately describe this direct address to an abstract entity.

The tone of the lines from Birage Diop’s “Vanity” is one of sarcasm. The repetition and questioning of “What eyes will watch our large mouths?” imply a critical or mocking stance towards the subjects being addressed, highlighting underlying skepticism or disdain. The other options do not capture the ironic or mocking quality present in the lines.

The rhyme scheme of the poem is aabb. The lines rhyme in pairs: “chair” with “hair” and “sap” with “lap,” following an aabb pattern that creates a rhythmic and harmonious flow within the poem. The other options do not accurately reflect the rhyming structure present.

The lines above show that the speaker detects discrimination. The reference to “unequal laws” implies an unfair treatment of a “savage race,” highlighting the speaker’s awareness and condemnation of systemic injustice and inequality. The other options do not accurately capture the theme of discrimination depicted.

The feeling conveyed by the speaker is one of anger. The speaker expresses frustration and resentment towards societal changes and influences, such as the adoption of modern amenities and foreign education systems, which are perceived as negative impacts on traditional values. The other options do not fully capture the intensity of the speaker’s emotions.

The “night children” in the stanza reflect the consciousness of spirit beings. The imagery suggests supernatural entities that are active during the night, adding a mystical and eerie atmosphere to the poem. The other options do not align with the contextual depiction of “night children.”

The dominant mood in the lines above is one of apprehension. The vivid imagery of “serrated shadows” and “silent as night thieves” creates a sense of fear and unease, enhancing the poem’s tense and foreboding atmosphere. The other options do not accurately capture the mood conveyed.

The poet in the excerpt uses onomatopoeia. The words “drums” and “guns” evoke auditory imagery that mimics the sounds they represent, enhancing the sensory experience and emphasizing the intensity of the scene described. The other options do not accurately identify the literary device used.

The imagery created in the excerpt is achieved through metaphor. “Funeral piles” symbolize the mass graves and the devastation caused by conflict, while “eating up the forests” represents the destructive impact on the environment. These metaphors convey the profound loss and environmental degradation resulting from war.

The lines inform the reader that the poet has his poetic imagination kindled. The speaker expresses a relentless desire for exploration and experience, indicating a passionate and creative spirit driven by a thirst for life and understanding. The other options do not accurately reflect the poet’s intent.

The Literature-in-English exam administered by JAMB uses specific question paper types identified by colors. Type Purple is designated for Literature, encompassing essay writing, comprehension, and analysis questions. Other types like Type Green, Type Red, and Type Yellow cater to different subjects, making Type Purple the correct choice for Literature-in-English.

In J.C. De Graft’s “Sons and Daughters,” Mrs. Bonu serves as the paternal aunt to Aaron and Maanan. She plays a significant role in the familial dynamics, providing guidance and support to her nephews. The other options, Hannah, Fosuwa, and Adwao, do not hold this specific familial relationship within the narrative.

George is portrayed as a medical doctor in J.C. De Graft’s “Sons and Daughters.” His profession signifies his educated status and his role in the community, distinguishing him from other characters like laboratory assistants, pharmacists, or nurses. This distinction is crucial in understanding his interactions and influence within the play.

The statement “If you touch me, I shall smash your face with this bottle” is made by Manaan to Lawyer B in “Sons and Daughters.” This intense threat highlights the escalating tensions and conflicts between the characters. The other options do not accurately reflect the context in which this statement is made within the play.

In “Sons and Daughters,” the issue at stake is that James sees Awere as a bad influence. This conflict drives much of the tension in the narrative, as James’s concerns about Awere’s impact on his family lead to significant confrontations. The other options do not capture the central conflict presented in this scenario.

These lines from William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” suggest that the tragedy in the play is predestined. The term “star-crossed lovers” implies that their fate is determined by the stars, indicating that their untimely deaths are inevitable despite their love. The other options do not fully encapsulate the inevitability conveyed by the term “star-crossed.”

In these lines from “Romeo and Juliet,” Juliet’s beauty is presented as outstanding. The vivid imagery compares her to a rich jewel, emphasizing her exceptional beauty. While her beauty is contrasted with the dark night, the primary focus is on how outstanding and precious she appears.

These lines are spoken by Romeo in praise of Juliet in William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” The metaphor highlights Juliet’s unparalleled beauty, comparing her to the sun that has never seen a match for its brilliance. The other options incorrectly attribute the lines to different characters or subjects.

Mercutio serves as a contrast to Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet.” His witty, pragmatic, and cynical nature highlights Romeo’s romanticism and idealism. This contrast emphasizes the different responses to the feud between the Montagues and Capulets. The other options do not accurately describe Mercutio’s primary function in the play.

“Romeo and Juliet” shares the feature of classical tragedy through the use of comic relief. Characters like Mercutio and the Nurse provide moments of humor that contrast with the play’s tragic events, a common element in classical tragedies to balance the emotional intensity. The other options do not align as closely with classical tragedy elements present in the play.

The actions of Meka, Kelara, Amalia, and her husband signify prayer in Ferdinand Oyono’s “The Old Man and the Medal.” Their collective kneeling down suggests a ritualistic or religious practice, reflecting their devotion and the societal norms depicted in the narrative. The other options do not accurately capture the nature of their actions.

The description above refers to the foot of Mvondo in “The Old Man and the Medal.” Mvondo’s physically altered toes symbolize the hardships and enduring struggles he has faced throughout his life, reflecting the physical toll of his experiences. The other characters do not have such descriptions associated with them in the narrative.

The dominant figure of speech in the excerpt is a simile. The comparison of kneeling on their bamboo bed “like camels waiting to be loaded” vividly illustrates the monotonous and burdensome nature of their prayers, enhancing the imagery and emotional weight of the scene.

In Buchi Emecheta’s “The Joy of Motherhood,” the Ibuzza community places significant importance on having a male child as a symbol of material success and fulfillment. This cultural emphasis reflects the societal pressures and gender expectations that drive much of the protagonist’s struggles. The other options do not specifically represent the primary symbol of success within the community.

Ona, on her dying bed in “The Joy of Motherhood,” appeals to Agbadi to allow Nnu Ego to marry a man of her choice. This plea underscores the themes of autonomy and the desire for personal happiness amidst societal constraints. The other options do not accurately reflect Ona’s specific request in this context.

After returning from Fernando PO, the little money Nnaife makes is used for sending his children to school in “The Joy of Motherhood.” This investment in education highlights his aspirations for his children’s future and the value placed on education despite financial constraints. The other options do not align with his primary use of funds as depicted in the narrative.

George Orwell’s “Nineteen Eighty-Four” is primarily classified as a satire. The novel uses exaggerated and ironic elements to critique totalitarianism, surveillance, and the manipulation of truth by authoritarian regimes. While it is also a work of fiction, its satirical nature is more defining.

In “Nineteen Eighty-Four,” Winston writes that the hope of the country lies with the proles. Orwell portrays the proles as the working class who possess the numbers and potential to overthrow the Party, unlike the Party members who are controlled and surveilled. The other options do not accurately represent Winston’s perspective on where hope resides.

In “Nineteen Eighty-Four,” the Two Minutes Hate is a program designed for the community. It serves as a daily propaganda tool to channel the citizens’ emotions and direct their hatred towards the Party’s enemies, reinforcing loyalty to Big Brother. The other options do not accurately describe the intended audience of this program.

In “Nineteen Eighty-Four,” Winston is subjected to all forms of torture and inhuman treatment by O’Brien. O’Brien acts as Winston’s torturer and indoctrinator, using psychological and physical methods to force him to conform to the Party’s ideology. The other options do not accurately identify the character responsible for his torture.

The movement in Adeoti’s “Naked Soles” is characterized by freedom and self-determination. The poem explores themes of liberation and the struggle for personal autonomy, reflecting the broader socio-political contexts of movement and resistance. The other options do not accurately capture the primary characteristics depicted in the poem.

One of the dominant themes of Rubadiri’s “An African Thunderstorm” is the relationship between man and woman. The poem delves into the dynamics of gender roles and interactions during a thunderstorm, symbolizing broader societal and natural relationships. The other options do not fully encapsulate the central theme of the poem.

In Kunene’s “A Heritage of Liberation,” the weapons are to be preserved for the generation yet unborn by the elders. This act symbolizes the passing down of legacy and the preparedness for future struggles, emphasizing the continuity of resistance and heritage. The other options do not accurately represent who is responsible for preserving the weapons.

“Give Me The Minstrel’s Seat” ends on a clarion call for rectitude. The poem emphasizes moral uprightness and ethical behavior, urging listeners or readers to uphold righteousness in their actions and decisions. The other options do not align with the central message conveyed in the concluding lines of the poem.

The excerpt “…the youthful hue/sits on thy skin like a morning dew…” from Marvell’s “To His Coy Mistress” is an example of a simile. The comparison using “like” highlights the freshness and beauty of the subject’s youth, enhancing the poem’s vivid imagery.

In Lawrence’s “Bat,” the poet compares bats with swallows. This simile emphasizes the graceful and agile movements of bats, drawing a parallel to the flight patterns of swallows. The other options do not accurately reflect the specific comparison made in the poem.

Eliot’s “The Journey of the Magi” examines the issues of spiritual rebirth. The poem delves into the transformative journey of the Magi, highlighting themes of faith, sacrifice, and renewal. The other options do not fully capture the profound spiritual undertones present in the narrative.

The figure of speech in the line “We would be believing we dreamt it” from Acquah’s “In the Navel of the Soul” is antithesis. This contrast between belief and dreaming highlights the tension between reality and perception, emphasizing the complexity of the characters’ experiences.

In Launko’s “End of the War,” the casualties are men. The poem highlights the losses suffered by men during the war, emphasizing the human cost and the devastating impact on the male population. The other options do not accurately represent the primary focus of casualties in the poem.