Welcome To Myschoollibrary! In this section of our studies, we will be providing answers to previous questions on Literature In English. For this particular period, we will be looking at 2019 WAEC questions on Literature In English. Most candidates preparing for the 2020 WAEC exams will find this useful as it will guide them on how to supply right answers to the right questions. Do have a great moment studying with us!
Literature In English WAEC exams usually comes in three sections. The drama, poetry, and prose. Below are the answers to 2019 literature in English WAEC questions.
Literature In English 2019 WAEC Questions And Answers
PROSE, DRAMA, AND POETRY
PAPER II: PROSE
SECTION A- AFRICAN PROSE
FACELESS- AMMA DARKO
Question 1. Discuss the significance of Agbogbloshie Market in the novel.
Answer: Agbogbloshie market came to be due to the fact that goods and services were very cheap and goods of various shades and people populated the market. The destruction of Makola Market in 1979 brought about the growth of the market. Agbogbloshe started as a market for floating traders. The market is significant for its deprivation, misery, decadence, lawlessness and even for its positive side.
Deprivation at home (particularly Maa Tsuru’s children, fofo and Baby T ) is what forced people to leave home for the Agbogbloshie market. Apart from Fofo and Baby T, Odarley; Poison and others are people who leave home for the market. The people’s various circumstances in life which are inflicted on them by the society and their families also forced them to leave their homes for the market.
Those Frustrated by their homes, came to the market to look for living and better things of life but gets surprises. Some of the characters like Maa Tsuru and Baby T are exploited by Kpakpo, onko and Poison. Baby T, fofo and Odarley suffer a great deal. Baby T ultimately dies. The poverty and hunger that Fofo encounters make her eat bread for breakfast, lunch and supper. This is a sign of misery which the market also signifies. Another form of misery is Macha taking away Fofo’s and Odarley ‘s savings for a week. Fofo is unable to do anything about this. She is a victim of rape and she engages in stealing.
There is physical decadence also. Corpses are found almost everyday . there is filth and the market lacks facilities. A good example is the bullying and extortions, unchecked criminal act , rape and murder in the presence of inactive law enforcement officers where poison, a rapist , a thief, a thug and a pimp ably assisted by kpakpo and Onka are lord of the files..
On its positive side, Agbogbloshie Market is a business center for traders and buyers of all kinds, Particularly, it is the place where Kabria encounters Fofo , which leads to fofo’s rehabilitation and the resolution of mystery surrounding Baby T”s death . the positive part of the market is very significant in spite of the fact that the market is populated by various human forces , principalities and powers
Question 2. Examine the relationship between the street child and the title of the novel.
Answer– There is a relationship between the street child is a deprived minor living on the streets and fending for himself/ herself, Fofo, Baby T, Odarley and others are examples of the street child talked about in the novel. In faceless, the street child takes on the characteristics of the street, and therefore loses his/her identity hence becomes faceless and with little or no care given to he/she can be classified as a living dead. Lack of parental care , Societal neglect, harassment at home , fear of the unknown and others led to the predicaments of the street child in the novel, hence, he/she leaves home and lives on the street.
Vulnerable ones such as Fofo, streetwise ones like Odarley, exploiters and bullies like Macho and Poison are entrapped by the concept of streetism where streets to them is like home and places of work.
The street child engages in molestation and oppression , for instance , macho collects ” Spot – fine ‘ unaccounted for, like the government and her officials while Poison bullies like and kills under -aged prostitutes , as in the case of Baby T and also attempts to rape Fofo and threatens to use her as replacement for the late Baby T.
The street child also embodies helplessness. The vulnerable street child has nobody to defend him/her for example, Fofo has to use own tactics to escape from poison , hence , on Kabria’s second visit to Agbogbloshie Market , she finds Fofo badly beaten up by her oppressors, finally, Baby T”s attempts to defend herself against the brute force of poison leads to her brutal death
In conclusion, the facelessness of the street child shows that the street child has no identity, Fofo, Baby T”s poison , Macho, Odarley, and the rest of them have no family names. They are lumped together and not cared about.
LONELY DAYS – BAYO ADEBOWALE
Question 3. Comment on the significance of moonlit night among the people of kufi in the novel
Answer: Kufi village is a typical African village with a population not tainted by modernisation, it is a rural environment , They ( the villagers ) use the movement of the sun to determine time and season. The moonlit night are significant among the people of kufi, in many ways.
The absence of electricity makes the moonlit nights very significant to the people of kufi. They even personify the moon. According to them, it peeps…. reappears playfully among the woods”.
Moonlit night are also beautiful Villagers, especially children , are mesmerised and enthralled by them. They see various images on the surface of the moon as beautiful
Lastly, the villagers have their perception about the moonlit nights. They associate so many myths with the about the various images on the surface of the moon..
Question 4. Examine the role of Uncle Deyo in the novel
Answer: Uncle Deyo is seen as a bosom friend of Ajumobi , with assumes the role of an overseer of the properly left to yaremi , after the demise of her husband.
Uncle Deyo assists Yaremi on many occasions , yaremi turns to him after the death of her husband and he assumes the role of a father figure by trying to make Alani become responsible. He helps to mend the leaking roof and the broken walls. He also helps her on the farm.
Uncle Deyo objects to Alani”s appearance and describes him as a freak . he wants him to more mainly to his mother when it seems the community was against her, In fact , he objects to Alani”s adapted lifestyle
Uncle Deyo takes his time to conduct Alani round his late father”s property (farms) and advises Alani to stay at kufi and take interest in his father”s property, he is not materialistic , greedy not covetous .He remains a virtuous , trustworthy and reliable friend.
SECTION B- NON-AFRICAN PROSE
Question 5. How is Henry Dalton portrayed in the novel?
Answer: Mr Henry Dalton is portrayed through the role he plays in the novel , his character traits and especially Boris max “s exposure of his hypocrisy and blindness at the court
Mr Dalton is a wealthy white capitalist, husband to Mrs Dalton and father to Mary Dalton, he owns properties in southside chicago.
He professes to be a lover of black people. He rents kitchenettes to them at higher prices than apartments he rents to the whites and also buys games equipment for the pool rooms of the black youth. He donates large amounts of money to ” uplift black citizens.
He employs Peggy as housekeeper, Green as earlier chauffeur and Bigger as chauffeur.
Mr Dalton believes that the black folks are subservient and that capable of hurting him and his family, for example, he hardly thinks Bigger is capable of hurting his daughter and therefore stands up to Britten’s suspicion of Bigger.
Mr Dalton is a hypocrite. His demonstration of hypocrisy can be seen through Boris Max’s cross examination in the court room, he rents kitchenettes at higher prices than he charges for apartment for the whites. He thinks equipping the pool rooms of the black youth make them satisfied. To him , this is good enough for the blacks.
Finally, Mr Dalton is presented as a misguided philanthropist , he does not understand social realities , he is a racist , hypocrite and an affirmed capitalist. He loses his daughter as a result of his character already illuminated above.
Question 6. Examine the significance of Bigger Thomas trial in the novel.
Answer: Bigger is arraigned for trial for the murder of Mary Dalton. His trial is of immense significance in the novel
Native Son.
Native Son is a novel on the problem of racism , in the novel , the whites assert that Bigger should be executed for killing a white lady ,Mary Dalton; whereas , the murder of Bessie mears is not highlighted because she is black.
The trial also reveals that the whites are hypocrites.
The outcome of the trial reveals inequity in the American criminal justice system, the media judges Bigger ahead of court trial and he is sentenced to death.
THE CASTLE OF OTRANTO: HORACE WALPOLE
Question.7. Comment on the attitudes of women to their roles in the novel.
Answer: The author portrays the attitudes and the roles of women in The Castle of Otranto
The novel is concerned with the issue of power. It is a typical patriarchial society with a pathological crave for power and dominance. The most prominent example of male dominance is illustrated through the four female characters, ; Hippolita,Matilda, Isabella and Bianca
The Condition and treatment of women are portrayed in the novel through Prince Manfred”s callous treatment of his wife, Hippolita , He is disrespectful and indifferent towards his daughter, Matilda, He uses Isabella as an instrument to hold on to power.
The Women show their submissive and Hippolita who is a loyal woman both to the patriarchial structure to her husband, Matilda is quietly rebellious and wants no affectionate duty to Manfred, her father, she loathes her father”s attitude to, and treatment of her mother.
On the other hand, Isabella is helpless, but not incapable of expressing herself. She rejects Manfred”s proposal to substitute himself for his dead son, but Bianca loyally accepts the patriarchal structure. This is because she is happy and seems comfortable with the way Manfred treats Hippolita and Matilda…
The female characters in the novel are sympathetic to one another and have empathetic relationship with are norms and traditions of the society , through their attitudes vary considerably from one person to the other..
In conclusion, Manfred is oppressive Manfred”s greed for power is predominantly seen in his oppressive dealings with the female characters he interacts with throughout the novel.
Question 8. Examine the use of irony in the novel.
Answer: In the novel, Horace Walpole makes use of various forms of irony. These include , verbal, dramatic, and situational irony.
The first instance is the murder of Alphonso the Good by a chamberlain he trusts(Ricaldo, the usurper).
Another instance is Bianca”s intimation to Matilda that Theodore and Isabella are having a romantic understanding which later turns out not to be so, these portray elements of a verbal irony..
A dramatic irony unfolds when Manfred decides to execute Theodore who appears to be a peasant at his first appearance in the novel turns out to be the rightful heir to the throne of Otranto.
Situational irony is seen when Manfred murders his own daughter in a bid kill Isabella’s daughter in a fit jealousy, and Theodore nearly kills Isabela”s father (Frederick) after he vows to kill th great knight in her defence .These instances can also be seen as examples of mistaken identities.
Finally, another example of irony is when Manfred claims having a biological relationship with Hippolita, whereas Hippolita has already calmly accepted his offer of divorce.
PAPER III: DRAMA AND POETRY
SECTION A: AFRICAN DRAMA
DELE CHARLEY: The Blood Of A Stranger
Question 1. Examine the role of the shrine in the culture of the people of Mando land.
Answer: The central theme of the play is the conflict that results from the violation of the custom of mando land with the arrival of whitehead. The shrine is located in a cave where no one else but the priest is supposed to be, in fact , the priest is expected to sleep there. The shrine has a lot of roles to play in the culture mando land.
The roles of the shrine in the culture of the land include the following ; The gods are pressured to live in the proclaims their intentions to the people through the priest. In addition to the above , the shrine is the centre for religious activities.
The shrine , however, is desecrated , the desecration of the shrine can be seen from the following incidents:soko sleeps in the forest instead of in the cave, kindo attempts to sleep with Wara in the shrine , soko falsely divines the virgin sacrifice, finally , bloodshed ensues in the shrine.
The desecration of the shrine is not without its consequences. The consequences are, firstly ; the king is compromise in the name of custom , santigi allows Whitehead to take charge which means he supports the whiteman”s abuse of the culture of the land. And , finally , kindo is banned.
Question 2. How does the relationship between Kindo and Santigi affect the future of Mando land?
Answer: There is no doubt that the relationship between Santigi and Kindo has some effects on the future of mando land. The central theme of the novel is the conflict that results from violation of the custom of Mando land with the arrival of Whitehead.
The relationship between Santigi and kindo can be seen in the following fact s: A father- son relationship exists between Santigi and Kindo. According to the custom and tradition of the land, kindo is chief of the warriors. A cordial relationship exists between kindo and santigi until the arrival of whitehead since whitehead’s arrival , seeds of separation and discord are planted when whitehead intrigues with maligu and Soko to exploits diamonds for profit. Kindo is opppsed to the intrigue. Santigi is gullible and sides with the schemers. As a result of this , father and son become estranged from each other as the farmer is compromised into doing things against the very customs he is supposed to uphold ;for example, he allows whitehead to dictate to him as to what he should do.kindo , then becomes defiant . this leads to the killing of whitehead. Supposedly to protect the custom of mando land; Santigi banishes Kindo
The rift between father and son has its implications for the future of the land, the probability of maligu becoming king after Santigi becomes difficult . because of this rift too , it becomes uncertain for the land to regain the peace it has had before the arrival of whitehead.
FRANK OGBODO OGBECHE; Harvest Of Corruption
Question 3. Consider any three dramatic elements used to develop the plot of the play.
Answer: The theme of Ogbeche”s harvest of corruption is the pervasive corruption and its negative consequences on society and individuals. They playwright uses some dramatic elements to develop the plot the of the play some of the dramatic elements used are allusion , soliloquy , symbolism, irony and foreshadowing.
In his use of allusion , the playwright explores Biblical and Historical allusion, The following are examples of biblical allusion depicted in the play : in Alaha”s response to Ogeyi”s advice to go back to her parents in the village , she says , ” i feel like a prodigal daughter ” the word ” Prodigal ‘ is an allusion to the prodigal son in the bible , in appreciating Ogeyi”s friendship and after of advice , alaha says ” Blessed are those who comfort … For they shall be comforted ” The statement is an allusion to the beattitudes in the Bible.
Another example of a Biblical allusion is chief”s reference to the Biafra war in a joke with Madam Haha, in respect of her demand for a commission for her services.
Examples of the use of soliloquy are in ACP yakubu”s soliloquies which reveal his integrity and willpower to stand against corruption . he says ‘ How can all these be happening without anyone having the willpower and the moral courage to stand up and say no!” Another example is in ACP Yakubu”s displeasure at the extent to which society is engulfed in depravity. He laments ” What a world we are in… a real craze for money that needs psychiatric therapy.
Symbolism is found in the following examples, Madam haha”s Akpara Hotel is an epitome of corruption, a den of corrupt people and vice. For example , madam Haha confides in Ochuole that, ” we will dangle this babe before chief for a price ‘ furthermore, the Wazobia Hospital is a symbol of corruption in the health sector where a doctor extorts money to perform abortions. Odili is a symbol of the corrupt judiciary
The madman too is a symbol of a state of disorder and lawlessness.in fact , ACP, yakubu thinks the madman “symbolises a country that is riddled with madness and lawlessness
Irony is used in the following ; Aloho is a stooge for Madman Haha, ” Trust me, my duty is to convince her to play ball with him and then the usual commission keeps rolling of the office when Ochuole goes to introduce Aloho to chief Ade- Amaka. She has instructions ” not to allow any visitor in before 12 noon, no matter who or what he/ she is “, but she does allow the visitor in anyway. Lastly , akpara hotel is supposed to be a place of hospitality but in reality it is a warehouse and a hideout for Chief” s dubious business and lechery.
Foreshadowing is used in Aloho’s dreadful dream. The dream that she has that she is dead foreshadows her eventual death during childbirth.
In conclusion , the relevance of these dramatic elements to the development of the plot cannot be over emphasized. These elements highlight the pervasiveness of corruption in the society .Also , the elements typify as well as characterise those involved in the corrupt practices in the play
Question 4. How is ACP Yakubu presented in the play?
The central theme of the play is persuasive corruption and its negative consequences an society and individuals ACP yakubu is presented as an exception to the endemic corruption .He is depicted as a ray of hope and an agent of social change.
ACP Yakubu is a youth of thirty-nine years old. He is stout and heavily built. He wants a scar running down his face. He also wears a characteristic frown , giving the impression of a no- nonsense officer.
Furthermore, he is presented as an officer who is committed to work. This is portrayed in his being a disciplinarian to the core. He does his work with zeal. He always slays abreast of current occurrences. He is frequently “.. In his office reading a newspaper ‘ his commitment to work is also buttressed by his being unwaveringly determined to succeed in tackling crime. According to him, ” We need a rebirth that will lead us into a new dawn.” His commitment to work shows when he is reputed to have ” cracked so many cases to his credit .
In addition to the above , ACP Yakubu is presented as an officer who believes in team work. Examples of this can be found in the following: He has a good working relationship with other officers such as inspector Inaku and Constable Ojo .he exhibits openness to Ogeyi”s complaint. As a believer in teamwork , he expresses the willingness and love to work , with the cooperation of the commissioner.
Eventually, he succeeds in persecuting criminals .he shows this achievement by putting chief Ade- Amaka and others before court and he successfully gets Chief Ade- Amaka and others convicted
SECTION B: NON-AFRICAN DRAMA
LORRAINE HANSBERRY: A Raisin in the sun
Question 5. Comment on the character and role of Asagai in the play.
Answer: This central theme of A Raising in the sun is racial discrimination and its impact on an African- American family , asagai “s role in the play is informative.
He is a young African man having his education in America.he is Beneatha’ s preferred boyfriend He is proud of his African heritage . according to him ” Nigeria is my country : Yoruba is my tribal origin
Asagai is delineated as an intelligent young man and charming, he engages in an intellectual discourse with Beneatha about and her views of the wider world, his warms his way into the favour of the younger family. With his engaging personality, he is able to discuss issues with Beneatha without rancour and he is even able to criticise her hairstyle , Asagai has an idealistic view of Africa. According to him, ” i will show you mountains and our stars; and give you cool drinks and teach you the old songs and the way of our people
Apart from the above character delineation of Asagai , the following are his role in the play, He is an educator of the younger family about wider issues; he thus helps to when their horizon , not only that, he serves as a counsellor and a comforter when the family is under stress from Walter”s losing the rest of the insurance money. In addition to that, he is a strong supporter of Beneatha and replaces George Murchison as future husband of Beneatha lastly, he is a strong supporter of Beneatha and helps her to hold on to her dream of becoming a medical doctor with or without assistance from her family
In conclusion, Asagai is a young yoruba man from Nigeria. He is intelligent, charming , polite and kind He is idealistic and proud of his African heritage. He is the instrument through which beneatha and her family became aware of their African Heritage.
Question 6. Consider the relationship between Mama and Travis in the play?
Answer: The central theme of the play; A Raising in the sun is racial discrimination and its impact on an African – American family . the playwright explores the relationship between Mama and Travis , Mama is the grandmother of Travis , Travis of course , is mama’s grandson. They both live with the others in chicago’s southside, a typical poor black African- American location . their often dark, three- room apartment is cramped : Walter and his wife occupy one room, mama and Beneatha occupy another room, while Travis sleeps on the couch in the living room.
Mama shows deep love for Travis and has concerns about his well- being. This fact can be seen when she indulges Travis to the annoyance of his mother, Ruth, she is very much concerned about Travis sleeping place not only that, she is particular about his menu. Furthermore , Travis is the key factor of mama”s buying the house for the family
As a result of this deep love to him, Travis reciprocates Mama”s love and trust. Through this, he is preoccupied .Also, when his mother will not give him money for school, he is certain to get it from Mama wishes Travis a better life. Shows this through her grooming Travis to become a responsible adult. She gives Travis the responsibility of monitoring and taking in the insurance cheque which his father gives away finally, when Walter seems to be on the verge of undoing all that Mama has done by accepting Lindner”s offer to return the purchase price , mama makes Travis watch his father , who dares not fumble in front of his son.
OLIVER GOLDSMITH : she stoops to Conquer
Question 7. Discuss the new that tony is to blame for failure of hasting”s plan to elope with Constance
Answer: Tony cannot be blamed for the failure of hastings’s plan to elope with Constance. The central theme of She Stoops to Conquer is love and marriage in a middle and up class spciety
Tony is the stepson of Mr hardcastle and son to Mrs Hardcastle. Except Hastings, Tony and Constance in order to keep her jewels in the Hardcastle family
The plan to elope with constance by hastings and Constance have known each other. Their relationship develops more in the home of the Hardcastles, Initially, tony and his mother seem to be the obstacles to the relationship , however, tony supports, consequently , the elopement plan.
Thereafter, an attempt is made to elope. The factor of constance”s jewels which she is not ready to part with becomes an obstacle to the elopement plan. Tony makes an attempt by giving the jewels and handing them over to hastings.However, Hastings messes up this attempt by giving the jewels to Young Marlow for safe keeping.young marlow then ignorantly and innocently hands over the jewels to Mrs Hardcastle for safe keeping , hence making the attempts to fall. Tony attempts to help for the second time. This help , however, is circumvented by hastings letter to tony , which he can”t read and is seized by Mrs hardcastle. As a result of this, mrs hardcastle gets infuriated and she decides to send constance to Aunt pedigree
Tony then decides to alone for the elopement failure driving them round and round the house, pretending they are on a journey. Mr Hardcastle discovers them; he fails the elopement plan. The declaration of tony’s true age enables him to pursue his love for Betty Bouncer.
From the above account, therefore, Tony cannot be blamed for the failure of the elopement plan.
Question 8. Discuss the information provided by Act 1, scene 1 and how it advances the plot of the play.
Answer: The central theme of the play is love and marriage in a middle up class society .Different relationships are outlined in the play. These relationships are between Mr and Mrs Hardcastle; between Hastings and Constance ; and between Tony and Betty Bouncer in Act 1, Scene 1, we are introduced to the characters and their relationship, Mr and Mrs Hardcastle are introduced as husband and wife, Tony Lumpkin is the step- son and son of Mr Hardcastle and Mrs Hardcastle respectively , kate is introduced as the daughter of Mr and Mrs Hardcastle while Constance neville is introduced as a cousin of kate and tony , and a niece to Mrs Hardcastle
Act 1 scene 1 informs us about some of the characters, Mr and Mrs Hardcastle have conversations about their living conditions in the country side .Mrs Hardcastle is unhappy and describes their house as old fashioned, she feels denied the opportunity to ” rub off the rust a little” in the city and feel as trendy as her neighbours. Mr Hardcastle, on the other hand, is content with the old ways he says, “i love everything that is old including an old wife and old stories .” This reveals his humour. We are also informed about Tony Lumpkin. Mr and Mrs Hardcastle perceive him differently. He is addicted to liquor. He is full of pranks and Mrs Hardcastle. She and constance understand Mrs Hardcastle “s greed. Kate is aware that tony is not in love with Hardcastle dotes on him . we are also informed about tony” s real age. Information is given also of kate hardcastle. She and Constance understand Mrs Hardcastle’s greed. Kate is aware that Tony is not in love with his cousin kate’s relationship with her father and her willingness to please him is also discussed .Mr hardcastle reveals the impending arrival of kate’s suitor , Young Marlow. Kate is surprised about Young Marlow “s Bashfulness. Finally , we get information about Constance ‘s jewels. The above information in Act 1 scene 1 has some implications for the advancement of the plot, for example, it prepares the audience for the subsequent events of the play. It also provides important knowledge of the characters and their idiosyncrasies which they play out in the rest of the play
SECTION C: AFRICAN POETRY
Question 9. Comment on the poet”s use of rhetorical questions in vanity
Answer: The central theme of the poem is the rejection of traditional culture by the modern generation of Africans.
This rejection spells doom for them.
A rhetorical question is a question asked for effect, rather than tp elicit a response. It is also a question, as in the poem , to emphasise the alienation of the people from their ancestral roots .
The poet uses rhetorical questions in the poem to appeal to the senses an emotions on his use of the rhetorical question to appeal to the senses, he focuses on sight and hearing .As for sight , the poet persona asks, ” what eyes will watch our large mouths…? The question is asked twice , this creates a spectacle of absurdity. On hearing, the poet persona asks, ” if we tell gently, gently … Who then will hear our voices without laughter… Who indeed will hear them without laughter??
The poet”s use of rhetorical question to appeal to our emotion is basically to appeal to the heart .the persona asks , ” what heart will listen to our clamouring ?/ What ear to our pitiful anger / which grows in us like a tumour…?
The general effect of the various appeals is that it heightens the plight of the modern generation and places responsibility on the modern generation to reconnect to their past , since all the wisdom and guidance they need is “in the air , in the water where they have traced their signs’
Question 10. Examine the persona’ s resolve to be a revolutionary in the Dining Table..
Answer: The theme of ” Dining Table is the ravages of war on the people and on society in general. The persona gives an account of the traumatic experience of a family at table .he laments that, ” Dinner tonight comes with /gun wounds” Our desert / tongue lick the vegetables / blood, ” Guest/ look into the oceans of bowls/ as vegetables die on their tongues ” and that all these lead to loss of appetite to say the least
The persona also reveals against hunger in the past war society he reveals the predicaments of the children in…. Children…with empty palms. … And that there are . …switchblades in their eyes/ silence in their voices.
Furthermore, the persona laments on the all- round insecurity and danger .he says “”…guerrillas / walk the land while crocodiles/ surf… Not only that, “… Playground / is emptied of children” s toys..and that”… Cholera breaks its spell on cracked lips. The above are a mixture of predatory and disease- laden images to heighten the effects of war..
The cumulative effect of the above is that the persona becomes a revolutionary to fight oppression unfortunately, he is a nile.. without tributaries, ” that is without followers. He is doomed to fail, as “….my boots / have suddenly become too reluctant to work me”.
SECTION D; NON- AFRICAN POETRY
Question 11. Discuss the defects of a summers day as highlighted by the poet in shall I compere Thee to Sumner’s Day
Answer: The theme of ” Shall I Compere Thee to a summer’s Day” is that the lover”s beauty is beyond compare
It is eternal and immortal. The persona says. So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see. / so long lives this and this gives life to thee…
The poet highlights summer’s inherent qualities which include the facts that it is moderate, temperate and produces the darling buds of May.
Despite those qualities , summer’s defects, in comparison to the lover of the poet, are highlighted,
Summer is less lovely , less moderate, short-lived , subject to rough minds , sometimes too hot, subject to change and subject to death.
The poet further juxtaposes a summer”s day and the lover “s beauty. To this effect , the lover is more moderate ,more temperate and she is not subject to the defects a summer” s day is prone to.
The consequences of a summer”s day”s defects are also highlighted..its beauty is short- lived, it is not permanent and its not being the subject of the poet”s immortal praise
Question 12. Examine the poet”s use of sight and sound images in Frost”s Birches
Answer: The central theme of frost”s birches is one “s ability to overcome the pressure of life by being resilient
The theme is derived from the persona” s observation of nature— the birch tree.
The birches are described as strong and resilient , since they do not break easily, The birches also tolerate the writer ice storm and revive as soon as summer breaks, even though the ice cracks and crazes their enamel.
The poet uses sight and sound images in the poem . these manifest in the persona”s description. One is made to visualise the ice storms that bend the birches and the snow crusts that weigh them down
Furthermore, the crystal shells of ice that creates an impression of heaps of broken glass and the ” dome of heaven “having falling .Other examples are the trunks of birches ” arching in the woods” and being loaded off as timber. The birches ” trailing their leaves on the ground ‘ is another example
Leisure / pastime is highlighted to appeal to the reader”s sense of sight. The poet highlights the image of a boy swinging the birch tree .. Reference is also made to the persona having being a birch swinger himself
There are some words and phrases that appeal to the senses of sight and sound. All these have impact on the persona”s experience of and outlook on life. Examples are ” face burns and tickles with the cobwebs ” and life being ” a pathless wood another impact is the therapeutic effect of making him prepared to withstand life”s vicissitudes he shows the pain of an eye ” weeping from a twigs”s having lashed across it open. ” this is fortification against the tedium of life.
See Summary Analysis of All Literature for 2020 WAEC, NECO, And JAMB
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