2016 JAMB LITERATURE PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

In “Harvest of Corruption,” the term “babe” refers to Aloho, who is being exploited for her labor and manipulated for personal gain by the Chief. This reflects the themes of corruption and exploitation in the play. Other options like Ogeyi, Alice, and Ochuole do not fit the context of being used as a tool for corruption.

This excerpt is spoken by the Chief in “Harvest of Corruption,” expressing his frustration and concern over a perceived threat or betrayal. It highlights the Chief’s manipulative and controlling nature. The other characters listed do not align with the authority and responsibility implied in the statement.

The central setting of “Harvest of Corruption” is Gbossa, which serves as the backdrop for the unfolding of corruption and moral decay. Mabu, Darkin, and Jabu are other locations in the play but do not hold the primary focus of the narrative.

In “Harvest of Corruption,” this dialogue likely takes place at the Akpara hotel, a central location where significant interactions occur. The Court room, Police station, and Airport are other settings but do not align with the casual and authoritative tone of the excerpt.

Chief Ade Amaka is involved in smuggling, a central crime in “Harvest of Corruption.” This act exemplifies the rampant corruption and illicit activities portrayed in the play. Child trafficking and land grabbing are other serious crimes but are not attributed to Chief Ade Amaka.

The phrase “pale as thy smock” employs a simile, comparing the character’s pallor to a smock using “as.” This creates a vivid image and emphasizes the character’s state. Simile is different from metaphor, pun, and paradox, which use other forms of comparison or contradiction.

In Shakespeare’s “Othello,” Othello kills Desdemona primarily because he is consumed by jealousy, manipulated by Iago into believing she has been unfaithful. This tragic flaw drives the narrative forward. His race being insulted or Desdemona being a witch are not the primary reasons for the murder.

Brabantio opposes Othello and Desdemona’s relationship primarily because Othello is a Moor, reflecting the racial prejudices of the time. This opposition is rooted in societal norms and personal biases, rather than preferences for other suitors or Desdemona’s age.

This speech is made by Othello as he confronts his actions, revealing his internal conflict and the weight of his decisions. It underscores the tragic elements of the play, where Othello grapples with his conscience and societal pressures before committing the act.

The speaker is Brabantio, expressing his shock and betrayal upon discovering Desdemona’s actions. His distrust and accusation reflect the racial and societal tensions in “Othello,” emphasizing themes of honor and control.

In “Faceless” by Amma Darko, Kabria’s husband is named Adade. This character plays a significant role in the narrative, embodying themes of marital strain and societal pressures. The other names listed do not correspond to Kabria’s husband.

The character being referred to is Fofo from “Faceless” by Amma Darko. Fofo’s ability to embody both childlike and adult traits highlights her complex personality and the challenges she faces within the narrative.

Amma Darko, the author of “Faceless,” is from Ghana. Her work often explores themes of identity, gender, and societal expectations within Ghanaian culture.

In Bayo Adebowale’s “Lonely Days,” the windows in mourning symbolize grief, with the women wearing black garments to signify loss and sorrow. This visual representation enhances the emotional depth of the narrative.

In “Lonely Days,” the bage cap symbolizes everlasting freedom, representing the characters’ yearning for liberation and autonomy. This symbol contrasts with other emotions like happiness or sorrow, emphasizing the theme of longing.

Yaremi’s only son is Wande in “Lonely Days” by Bayo Adebowale. Wande represents hope and the future amidst the struggles depicted in the novel, embodying the aspirations of his family.

In Richard Wright’s “Native Son,” Bigger burns Mary’s body in the basement, symbolizing his attempt to cover up the crime and his descent into desperation and violence.

Mary’s lover is Bigger in “Native Son” by Richard Wright. Their illicit relationship is central to the plot, driving the tragic events that unfold.

The dominant literary device is a rhetorical question. Bigger uses rhetorical questions to express his doubt and frustration, highlighting his internal conflict and the gravity of his actions.

Bigger and the gang rob Negroes because they are perceived as helpless, making it easier to exploit them. This reflects the systemic oppression and economic desperation faced by African Americans in the context of “Native Son.”

“The Proud King” by Morris explores the theme of arrogance, depicting a monarch whose pride leads to his downfall. This theme is central to the narrative, illustrating the consequences of excessive pride and power.

The dominant figure of speech is personification. The “panic” is given human-like qualities, spreading “fluttering wings,” which symbolizes the growing anxiety associated with aging.

Kofi Awoonor is a renowned poet from Ghana. His works often explore themes of African identity, tradition, and the challenges of modernity, contributing significantly to African literature.

In Okara’s “Piano and Drums,” the piano and drums symbolize the complexities of Western society. They represent the fusion and conflict between traditional African culture and Western influences, highlighting the struggles of maintaining cultural identity.

The rhyme scheme is ABAB, a common pattern in poetry that creates a rhythmic and harmonious flow. This structure enhances the musical quality of the poem and emphasizes the natural imagery depicted.

The lines exemplify antithesis, where contrasting ideas are juxtaposed to highlight differences and create a balanced effect. This device emphasizes the sequence and relationship between strength, beauty, wisdom, honor, and pleasure.

“The School Boy” by Blake is satiric, critiquing the educational system and societal expectations through irony and exaggerated scenarios. This genre allows Blake to highlight the flaws and absurdities in schooling and childhood experiences.

The language is imploring, as the speaker earnestly requests attention and understanding regarding their torments and struggles. This plea seeks empathy and recognition from the listener or reader.

The persona is hungry, as indicated by the references to eating and consuming food despite the presence of violence (“gun wounds”). This juxtaposition highlights the coexistence of basic needs and societal turmoil.

The Peters are disappointed, as suggested by “petered out desires,” indicating unfulfilled hopes and aspirations. This metaphor highlights the decay of dreams and the impact of adversity on individuals.

Drama is an art form that combines literary elements with theatrical performance, involving scripts, dialogue, and stage directions to bring stories to life. It distinguishes itself from purely literary or purely theatrical forms by integrating both aspects.

A soliloquy is a speech made by a character alone on stage, revealing their innermost thoughts and feelings to the audience. It differs from a monologue or aside by its introspective nature and lack of direct address to other characters.

A round character is complex and undergoes change and growth throughout the narrative. They possess multiple facets and are more realistic compared to flat characters, making them integral to the story’s development.

In a narrative poem, the poet aims to tell a story, often with a clear plot, characters, and setting. This form combines the elements of poetry with the storytelling aspects of prose, creating a rhythmic and engaging narrative.

Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza in poetry. It creates a flow and can emphasize particular words or ideas by carrying them over to the next line.

The plot refers to the way in which the events of the story are organized and unfold. It includes the sequence of actions, conflicts, and resolutions that drive the narrative forward, shaping the reader’s experience.

A didactic piece aims to teach or convey moral lessons to the reader. It often includes instructional elements and seeks to impart wisdom or ethical guidance through its narrative or argument.

Literature is distinguished by its use of creative imagination to portray human experiences, emotions, and ideas. Unlike other disciplines that may focus more on factual or empirical content, literature emphasizes artistic expression and narrative techniques.

Poetic justice refers to the concept where virtue is ultimately rewarded and vice punished, aligning with the moral outcomes of the narrative. It ensures that characters receive appropriate consequences for their actions, reinforcing the story’s ethical framework.

Diction refers to the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing. It reflects the writer’s style and can influence the tone and clarity of the literary work, distinguishing it from other elements like rhythm or figure of speech.

The speaker is optimistic, as they reassure the child with promises of overcoming the hardships represented by the “ravening clouds.” This hopeful outlook contrasts with feelings of despair or helplessness.

The excerpt is humorous, using satire and irony to critique the Minister’s behavior and societal norms. The playful language and exaggerated scenarios highlight the absurdity of corruption and privilege.

The persona does not intend to “travel at night.” The lines emphasize a desire for continuous adventure and exploration (“sail beyond the sunset”) rather than specific timing like nighttime travel.

The imagery depicts a displacement of innocence by violence, symbolizing the loss of purity and peace due to conflict or war. The “peaceful nakedness” represents innocence, while the “uniform of iron and blood” symbolizes violence and militarization.

The feeling conveyed is disappointment, as the speaker expresses astonishment and dismay at being mocked by those once loved and respected. This sentiment highlights themes of betrayal and unfulfilled expectations.

The speaker has become impotent, as indicated by the loss of manhood. This declaration reflects vulnerability and a significant change in the speaker’s identity or status.

The dominant literary device is personification, as “civilization” and “holy water” are given human-like actions (kicking, slapping) to emphasize their aggressive impact on the people.

The dominant image is that of tiredness, depicted through the withered leaves, shrinking roses, panting dog, and cracking nuts. These images collectively convey exhaustion and the weariness of life.

The poet has arrived at middle age, reflecting on past memories and future possibilities. This stage is characterized by contemplation of life experiences and the impact of time on relationships and personal growth.

The lines constitute an apostrophe, as the poet directly addresses the solitary reaper, invoking her presence and emphasizing her actions and their emotional impact. This direct address enhances the poem’s lyrical quality.

Mood is the overall emotional atmosphere a literary work creates for the reader. It encompasses the feelings and attitudes that the text evokes, shaping the reader’s emotional response and engagement with the narrative.

Opera is an art form that combines singing, music, and dramatic performance to tell a story. It integrates text and musical elements, distinguishing itself from other performance arts like concerts or pantomimes.

Local color refers to the distinctive features, dialects, and customs of a specific region portrayed in a literary work. It adds authenticity and depth to the setting, enhancing the reader’s immersion in the story’s environment.

Foreshadowing is a literary device that hints at future events in a narrative. It builds anticipation and suspense, guiding the reader’s expectations and enhancing the story’s cohesion and thematic development.

Farce is a type of comedy that relies on exaggerated situations, physical humor, and improbable events to elicit laughter. It prioritizes humor over realism, distinguishing itself from other comedic forms like satire or melodrama.

The speaker is sad, expressing feelings of isolation and emotional distress. This sentiment reflects the themes of sorrow and longing present in “Song of Sorrow.”

The figure of speech is personification, as “love” is given human attributes, capable of waking from slumber. This enhances the emotional resonance and depth of the speaker’s longing.

The poet expresses disappointment, lamenting the wasted potential and destructive actions despite having the necessary resources. This sentiment underscores themes of frustration and unfulfilled aspirations.

The poet is in middle age, reflecting on past memories and contemplating future possibilities. This stage is marked by a deep awareness of time’s passage and the complexities of love and loss.

The lines constitute an apostrophe, as the speaker directly addresses the solitary reaper, highlighting her actions and the emotional impact they have. This device enhances the poetic expression and engagement with the subject.

The correct answer is Simile (B). This line uses a simile by comparing the action to a sculpture chipping away, using “like” to draw the comparison. Metaphor (A) makes a direct comparison without using “like” or “as,” Personification (C) attributes human traits to non-human things, and Alliteration (D) involves repeating consonant sounds. The simile enhances the descriptive imagery.

The correct answer is Alliteration (B). These lines repeat the initial consonant sounds (‘Fl’, ‘Tw’, ‘Ll’), creating a rhythmic and musical effect typical of alliteration. Assonance (A) involves vowel sounds, Simile (C) uses comparisons, and Metaphor (D) implies direct comparisons. Alliteration enhances the poem’s auditory appeal and cohesion.

The correct answer is Racism (A). “Caged Bird” metaphorically represents the struggles and limitations imposed by racism, contrasting the free bird’s liberty with the caged bird’s confinement. Poverty (B), Gender (C), and Restriction (D) may be related themes but do not encapsulate the primary focus on racial oppression and inequality as central to the poem’s message.

The correct answer is Hyperbole (C). This line exaggerates the idea of a small room encompassing the entire world, emphasizing the depth of love and connection between lovers. Euphemism (A) softens harsh realities, Imagery (B) creates sensory experiences, and Allusion (D) references another work or concept. Hyperbole intensifies the emotional expression in the poem.

The correct answer is A metaphor for life’s journey (A). The poem uses the journey of the Magi as a metaphor to explore themes of faith, transformation, and the complexities of personal growth. A narration of people on a journey (B) and about travelers (C) are literal interpretations, while the challenges of a long journey (D) are secondary to the metaphorical significance that reflects life’s spiritual and existential quests.