2021 JAMB LITERATURE PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, creating a rhythmic effect. This distinguishes it from Pun (a play on words), Onomatopoeia (words that imitate sounds), and Assonance (repetition of vowel sounds).

An episodic play consists of loosely connected acts or episodes without a strict sequential flow. This differs from Simple (basic structure), Linear (straightforward sequence), and Convoluted (complex and intricate).

Flashback is a narrative technique that interrupts the chronological sequence to recount past events, providing context to the current storyline. It is not Climax (peak moment), Interlude (a pause or break), or Catharsis (emotional release).

Criticism involves analyzing and evaluating a literary work to understand its merits and shortcomings. It goes beyond merely finding faults, comparing novels, or discovering beauty, aiming for a comprehensive assessment.

An Aside is when a character speaks directly to the audience, unheard by other characters, revealing inner thoughts. It differs from Soliloquy (long speech alone on stage), Chorus (group commentary), and Solo (individual performance).

The Chorus in drama serves as a commentator and link between the actors and the audience, providing insights and background information. It is not the Clown (comic relief), Playwright (author), or Cast (actors).

Persona refers to the image or facade that a character presents to the outside world, distinct from their true personality or inner self. It is not the central character, the voice, or the overall personality.

The three unities in drama are Action, Time, and Place, which aim to create a coherent and focused narrative. They are distinct from variations in terminology like Space or different orders.

Free Verses are poems without a fixed meter or rhyme scheme, allowing greater flexibility in expression. They differ from Short Verses, Rhythmic Verses, and Irregular Verses in structure and formality.

An elegy is a mournful poem typically lamenting the dead. It focuses on themes of loss and sorrow, unlike poems addressing the bereaved, the accused, or specifically a king.

A Paradox is a statement that appears self-contradictory but reveals a deeper truth, unlike Irony (unexpected outcomes), Contrast (difference between elements), or Parallelism (similar structure).

The literary device used is a Rhetoric, specifically a rhetorical question that provokes thought. It is not an Apostrophe (addressing an absent person), an Allegory (extended metaphor), or Poetic License (flexibility in language).

A Melodramatic play relies on sensational plots and exaggerated characters to evoke strong emotions, differing from melodious manipulation, mellowed events, or didactic overtones.

Romantic poetry emphasizes the beauty of nature, focusing on emotion and individualism, rather than solely on intimate relationships, love in human nature, or romance in aspirations.

A Tragic Flaw is a character trait that leads to the downfall of the protagonist, distinguishing it from Anagnorisis (moment of critical discovery), Catharsis (emotional release), or Catastrophe (final downfall).

Euphemism is the use of mild or indirect words to replace harsh or blunt ones, as seen in the provided lines. It differs from Sadism (deriving pleasure from others’ pain), Sophism (deceptive reasoning), or Satire (critique through humor).

In “Morountodun” by Femi Osofisan, social change is achieved through Collectivism, emphasizing collective effort and unity, unlike Sectionalism, Individualism, or Communism in this context.

Titubi joins the farmer’s revolt to ensure its success, demonstrating her commitment to the cause, rather than acting as a spy, pursuing Marshal, or defying the police.

The re-enactment of the Moremi legend is an example of Flashback, providing historical context within the narrative, unlike Dramatic Epilogue, Dramatic Monologue, or Role-Playing.

The stage direction reveals Mama Kayode raising the song of hope, symbolizing optimism and future aspirations, rather than depicting actors in changing rooms, Moremi and Titubi in spotlight, or the Director’s farewell speech.

The statement characterizes Olivia, highlighting her inherent beauty that even envy acknowledges, distinguishing her from Maria, Roderigo, or Viola.

The Duke of Illyria is fascinated by the idea of love, reflecting his romantic pursuits and affections, unlike being solely interested in the food of love, music, or entertainment.

The Duke has unclasped the secret of his soul, revealing his innermost feelings and thoughts, rather than details about his relationships with Olivia or Viola.

The sincere desire is that she herself wins the love, indicating personal ambition and affection, rather than ensuring someone else succeeds, being good enough, or someone else becoming beloved.

The sub-plot expresses the theme of Comedy, showcasing humor and lighter moments within the play, unlike Fragility, Pleasure, or Romance.

The major theme of “Twelfth Night” is Illusion and Reality, exploring disguises, mistaken identities, and the blurred lines between appearance and truth, rather than Love at first sight, Unrequited love, or Humor and Tragedy.

Al-Amin’s reservations are dormant by Hussaina’s immaturity, indicating his concerns about her readiness and decision-making, rather than premonition of death, Lahab’s morality, or fear of loneliness.

The witnesses to the tears are Lahab and Sagiir, who observe and are part of the emotional events in the story, unlike Saahir and Lahab, Lahab and Hussaina, or Al-Amin and Hussaina.

The novel is largely set in Sabonville city, providing the backdrop for the events and character interactions, rather than Futa Toro, Alligator city, or Nuclear city.

Old Major ends his speech with a song to spur them to action, inspiring unity and rebellion, rather than merely entertaining, displaying singing ability, or teaching them an anthem.

The executions are meant to prevent Snowball from returning and to instill fear, consolidating Napoleon’s power, rather than making pigs a special class or achieving socialite goals.

The message of “Animal Farm” is that no society exists where everyone is equal, highlighting the corrupting influence of power and the failure of utopian ideals, rather than specific critiques of capitalism or communism alone.

After Snowball’s expulsion, the triumvirate comprises Squealer, Boxer, and Napoleon, who manipulate and control the farm’s operations, unlike the other listed combinations.

Characterization in the play is Elaborate and Effective, providing deep and impactful portrayals of characters, unlike being merely economical or ineffective.

The play focuses on Women’s protest against men’s wickedness, highlighting themes of gender struggle and resistance, rather than fights over goats, oil money, or general liberation.

The highest measure is to abandon their husbands, symbolizing ultimate resistance and rejection of male dominance, rather than taking prostitution, carrying out nude acts, or abandoning children.

The poet persona laments the Harrowing experiences from the stranger’s visit, reflecting themes of intrusion and emotional turmoil, rather than loss of property, presence of strangers, or family problems.

The lyrical effect is achieved through Enjambment, allowing the poem to flow seamlessly across lines and stanzas, enhancing its rhythm and meaning, unlike Synecdoche, Antithesis, or Ballad.

Rhythm in “The Soul’s Errand” is achieved through Repetition, reinforcing themes and creating a musical quality, unlike Metaphor, Alliteration, or Antithesis.