EXAM: NECO 2025
SUBJECT: literature in English
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DRAMA AND POETRY
INSTRUCTIONS:. ANSWER ONE QUESTION IN EACH SECTION
SECTION I: AFRICAN DRAMA
(1)
The Governor's Visit and Its Effects on the Chiefdom
The Governor's visit in John K. Kargbo's "Let Me Die Alone" serves as a pivotal moment that highlights the political dynamics and social tensions within the chiefdom. The visit symbolizes colonial authority and the imposition of external governance on local traditions. The effects of this visit are multifaceted: it exposes the fragility of the chief's power, as he must navigate the expectations of both the colonial government and his own people. The visit also ignites a sense of disillusionment among the villagers, who feel marginalized and voiceless in the face of colonial rule. Ultimately, the Governor's presence serves to deepen the rift between the chief and his subjects, leading to a crisis of leadership and identity within the chiefdom.
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(2) Instances of Betrayal in the Play
In "Let Me Die Alone," betrayal manifests in various forms:
(i) Betrayal of Trust: The chief's closest advisors may betray him by aligning with colonial interests, undermining his authority and traditional leadership.
(ii) Family Betrayal: Personal relationships are strained as family members may choose self-preservation over loyalty to the chief, revealing the complexities of familial bonds in times of crisis.
(iii) Cultural Betrayal: The community's elders may betray their cultural heritage by compromising their values to appease the colonial powers, leading to a loss of identity and tradition.
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(3)
The Character and Role of Sidi
Sidi, the titular "jewel" of the play, is a complex character who embodies both beauty and strength. Initially, she is portrayed as a traditional village girl who is aware of her attractiveness and the power it holds. Sidi's role is crucial as she becomes the object of desire for both Baroka, the Bale (chief), and Lakunle, the modern schoolteacher. Her character challenges traditional gender roles; while she is admired for her beauty, she also asserts her independence and agency. Sidi's eventual choice to marry Baroka, despite his age and traditional values, signifies a blend of modernity and tradition, illustrating the play's exploration of cultural change and the negotiation of female identity.
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(4)
"Change is Inevitable"
The assertion that "change is inevitable" is central to "The Lion and the Jewel." The play illustrates this through the contrasting characters of Baroka and Lakunle. Baroka represents traditional values and the established order, while Lakunle embodies modernity and progressive ideas. The tension between these two characters highlights the inevitable clash between tradition and change. Sidi's journey also reflects this theme; her choices signify a shift in societal norms regarding women's roles. The play ultimately suggests that while change may be resisted, it is an inescapable part of life, shaping identities and relationships within the community.
*SECTION II*
*NON — AFRICAN DRAMA SOLUTION*
LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
SECTION II: NON-AFRICAN DRAMA
(5) The Theme of Betrayal in "Look Back In Anger"
In John Osborne's "Look Back In Anger," betrayal is a pervasive theme that manifests in various relationships. The protagonist, Jimmy Porter, feels betrayed by society, his wife Alison, and his friends. His disillusionment with the world around him leads to emotional and verbal abuse, particularly towards Alison, whom he perceives as a symbol of his failures. The betrayal is not only personal but also societal, as Jimmy grapples with the post-war disillusionment of the working class. This theme underscores the fragility of human connections and the impact of unfulfilled expectations on relationships.
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(6)
The Relationship Between Alison and Helena
The relationship between Alison and Helena in "Look Back In Anger" is complex and significant to the play's development. Initially, Helena is a friend and confidante to Alison, but as the play progresses, she becomes a source of tension. Helena's attraction to Jimmy and her eventual involvement with him represent a betrayal of Alison's trust. This dynamic highlights the themes of loyalty, jealousy, and the struggle for identity within the confines of societal expectations. The conflict between the two women ultimately serves to deepen the emotional turmoil in the play, illustrating how personal relationships can be irrevocably altered by betrayal and desire.
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(7) The Theme of Lost Opportunities
In "Fences," the theme of lost opportunities is central to the character of Troy Maxson. Troy's past as a talented baseball player is overshadowed by the racial barriers he faced, leading to a life filled with regret and unfulfilled dreams. His inability to seize opportunities for advancement, both in sports and in his personal life, creates a cycle of bitterness that affects his relationships with his family. The play poignantly explores how societal limitations and personal choices can lead to a sense of entrapment, ultimately illustrating the broader theme of the African American experience in the face of systemic racism.
*SECTION III*
*AFRICAN POETRY SOLUTION*
LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
SECTION III: AFRICAN POETRY
(9)
(i) Metaphor: In "The Leader and the Led," Osundare employs metaphor to convey complex ideas about leadership and the relationship between leaders and their followers. For instance, leaders may be depicted as "shepherds" guiding their "flocks," which emphasizes the responsibility of leaders to care for and protect their people. This metaphor highlights the power dynamics and the expectations placed on leaders, as well as the vulnerability of the led.
(ii) Imagery: Imagery is a powerful device used throughout the poem to evoke vivid sensory experiences. Osundare paints pictures of the struggles and aspirations of the people, using descriptive language that appeals to sight, sound, and emotion. For example, imagery related to the natural world, such as "the sun rising over the horizon," can symbolize hope and renewal, while darker imagery may reflect despair and oppression. This use of imagery helps to create a strong emotional connection between the reader and the themes of the poem.
(iii) Alliteration: Alliteration is another device that Osundare skillfully employs to enhance the musicality and rhythm of the poem. The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words creates a lyrical quality that draws the reader in. For example, phrases like "leaders lie" or "daring dreams" not only emphasize key concepts but also contribute to the overall flow and impact of the poem. This technique reinforces the themes of the poem and makes the language more memorable.
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(10)
The saying "Rage is a thief of joy" encapsulates the destructive nature of anger and its ability to overshadow happiness. In Lade Wosomu's "Raider of the Treasure Trove," this theme is explored through the character's internal struggles and the consequences of unchecked rage. The protagonist's anger often leads to impulsive decisions that result in personal loss and regret.
For instance, moments of rage may cause the character to alienate loved ones or miss opportunities for joy and fulfillment. The poem illustrates how the fixation on anger can cloud one's judgment and prevent the appreciation of life's treasures. Ultimately, Wosomu's work serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of managing emotions and recognizing that allowing rage to dominate one's life can lead to a profound sense of emptiness and loss.
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SECTION IV: NON-AFRICAN POETRY
(11)
In "Caged Bird," Maya Angelou poignantly explores the themes of freedom and limitation through the contrasting imagery of a free bird and a caged bird. The free bird represents the ideals of liberty, opportunity, and the ability to soar without constraints. In contrast, the caged bird symbolizes oppression, confinement, and the struggle for self-expression.
Angelou's use of the caged bird's song serves as a powerful metaphor for the yearning for freedom and the pain of limitation. The song reflects the caged bird's desire to break free from its constraints, highlighting the emotional toll of captivity. Through this juxtaposition, Angelou emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, suggesting that even in limitation, there exists a profound desire for freedom and self-actualization.
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(12)
In D.H. Lawrence's poem "Bat," various symbols are employed to convey deeper meanings about nature, existence, and the human condition. The bat itself serves as a central symbol, representing both the mysterious and the misunderstood aspects of life. Its nocturnal nature evokes themes of darkness, fear, and the unknown, while also symbolizing the idea of transformation and adaptation.
The bat's flight can be interpreted as a metaphor for freedom and the instinctual drive to navigate through life's challenges. Additionally, the imagery of the bat's movements in the night sky may symbolize the struggle between light and darkness, knowledge and ignorance. Lawrence's use of symbols invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and the complexities of existence, ultimately suggesting that understanding and acceptance of life's dualities are essential for personal growth.
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