NABTEB GCE 2024 Literature (Drama & Poetry) Answers

*NABTEB GCE 2024 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (DRAMA & POETRY) ANSWERS*

“`INSTRUCTION: ANSWER ONE(1) QUESTION FROM EACH SECTION“`

*SECTION A*

(1)
In Wole Soyinka’s play “The Lion and the Jewel”, the theme of change is prominently depicted through the characters of Baroka and Lakunle.

Baroka, the traditional and aging lion, represents the old ways and customs of the village. He is resistant to change and wants to maintain the status quo, even if it means holding onto outdated and oppressive practices.

On the other hand, Lakunle, the young and educated schoolteacher, represents the force of change and modernity. He wants to bring progress and development to the village, but his methods are often clumsy and insensitive to the cultural heritage of the community.

Through these two characters, Soyinka highlights the tension between tradition and modernity, and the challenges of embracing change while still respecting the past. Baroka’s refusal to adapt ultimately leads to his downfall, while Lakunle’s inability to understand the cultural context of the village leads to his own failures.

The play suggests that change is inevitable, but it must be approached with sensitivity and respect for the past. It also highlights the importance of finding a balance between tradition and modernity, rather than trying to impose one over the other.
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(2)
In Wole Soyinka’s play, The Lion and the Jewel, Sidi and Sadiku are two female characters who play significant roles in the story. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in their characters and roles.

Sidi and Sadiku are both strong-willed and determined women who are not afraid to speak their minds. They are both deeply rooted in their cultural heritage and are proud of their traditions. Both characters are also driven by a desire for independence and autonomy.

However, Sidi is a young, beautiful, and vibrant village maiden who is the object of desire for both Baroka and Lakunle. She is portrayed as a symbol of traditional beauty and culture. Her presence sparks a series of events that challenge the traditional values and customs of the village.

Sadiku, on the other hand, is Baroka’s senior wife who is older, wiser, and more experienced. She is depicted as a strong and assertive woman who is not afraid to challenge Baroka’s authority. Sadiku serves as a voice of reason and tradition, providing a more nuanced and experienced perspective on the events of the play.

In contrast to Sidi’s youthful energy and idealism, Sadiku embodies the wisdom, experience, and assertiveness of a strong and independent woman. While Sidi represents the traditional beauty and culture of the village, Sadiku represents the strength and resilience of women in the face of patriarchal authority.

Overall, Sidi and Sadiku are complex and multifaceted characters who play important roles in the play. Their differences in character and role serve to highlight the complexities of traditional culture and the challenges of modernity.
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*SECTION A*

(3)
In John K. Kargbo’s novel, Let Me Die Alone, the Poro cult plays a significant role in the narrative. The Poro cult is a traditional secret society in Sierra Leonean culture, known for its initiation rites and cultural significance.

The Poro cult is significant in the novel because it represents the cultural heritage and traditions of the Sierra Leonean people. The cult is depicted as a powerful institution that shapes the lives of its members and the community at large. Through the Poro cult, Kargbo explores themes such as cultural identity, tradition, and the struggle between modernity and traditional values.

The Poro cult also serves as a symbol of masculinity and power in the novel. The cult’s initiation rites and rituals are depicted as a means of transforming boys into men, and its members are shown to wield significant power and influence in the community.

Furthermore, the Poro cult is used as a tool for social commentary in the novel. Kargbo critiques the excesses and abuses of power within the cult, highlighting the ways in which it can be used to exploit and oppress others. At the same time, the novel acknowledges the importance of the Poro cult as a cultural institution and a source of community identity.

Overall, the Poro cult is a significant element in Let Me Die Alone, serving as a symbol of cultural heritage, masculinity, and power. Through its depiction of the cult, the novel provides a nuanced exploration of the complexities of traditional culture and its relationship to modernity.
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(4)
In John Kolosa Kargbo’s play Let Me Die Alone, tragedy is a central theme that unfolds through the experiences of betrayal and the pursuit of power, particularly in the lives of Gbanya and Yoko.
Gbanya, the king, faces betrayal from his trusted allies, Lamboi and Musa, who conspire against him in their quest for power. This treachery leads to his downfall, illustrating how misplaced trust can result in tragic consequences. His struggle to maintain control over his kingdom reflects broader issues of political instability.
Yoko, as Gbanya’s successor, also embodies tragedy. She endures humiliation and betrayal from her subjects, ultimately leading to her suicide. Her fate highlights the societal pressures on women and the devastating impact of betrayal in a patriarchal society.
Kargbo employs irony throughout the play, showing how characters’ ambitions often lead to their destruction. Musa’s initial success through human sacrifices culminates in his poisoning by those he once trusted.
The play concludes with Yoko’s death, leaving a sense of unresolved injustice. While Gbeni may seek retribution against the wrongdoers, the absence of immediate justice emphasizes the futility of their struggles.
Overall, Let Me Die Alone is a poignant exploration of tragedy that critiques individual choices and societal issues, reflecting on the human experience within a politically charged environment.
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*SECTION B*

(5)
The title “Fences” by August Wilson is a metaphorical representation of the physical and emotional barriers that exist between the characters in the play. The title is significant because it relates to the themes of isolation, protection, and confinement that are woven throughout the narrative.

On a physical level, the fence that Troy Maxson, the protagonist, is building around his yard serves as a symbol of his desire for security and protection. The fence is a tangible representation of Troy’s need to create boundaries and defend himself against the outside world. However, the fence also serves as a barrier that separates Troy from his family and community, highlighting his emotional isolation.

On an emotional level, the title “Fences” represents the emotional barriers that the characters have built around themselves. Troy’s past experiences, including his abusive childhood and his failed baseball career, have led him to construct emotional fences that prevent him from forming intimate relationships with his family. Similarly, Rose, Troy’s wife, has built emotional fences around herself as a result of Troy’s infidelity and lack of emotional support.

The title “Fences” also relates to the theme of confinement. Troy feels trapped by his circumstances, including his job as a garbage collector and his lack of opportunities. The fence that he is building serves as a symbol of his desire to break free from these constraints and create a better life for himself and his family.

Furthermore, the title “Fences” highlights the tension between protection and confinement. While the fence is intended to protect Troy’s family and property, it also serves as a physical and emotional barrier that confines them. This tension is reflective of the broader themes of the play, including the struggle for freedom and the importance of human connection.

In conclusion, the title “Fences” is a powerful and evocative metaphor that captures the essence of the play. It represents the physical and emotional barriers that exist between the characters, as well as the themes of isolation, protection, and confinement that are woven throughout the narrative. relationships and sense of self.

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(6)
The relationship between Troy Maxson and his family in August Wilson’s Fences is complex and multifaceted. Troy, the protagonist, is a flawed and troubled individual who struggles to connect with his family members.

Troy’s relationship with his wife, Rose, is strained and tumultuous. Troy’s infidelity and lack of emotional support have created a deep-seated resentment in Rose. Despite this, Rose remains committed to the marriage and continues to care for Troy, even when he is at his most vulnerable. Troy, on the other hand, takes Rose for granted and often disregards her feelings and needs.

Troy’s relationship with his son, Cory, is also fraught with tension. Troy is a strict and demanding father who pushes Cory to pursue a career in sports, despite Cory’s lack of interest. Troy’s behavior towards Cory is often harsh and critical, stemming from his own failed dreams and aspirations. Cory, in turn, feels suffocated by Troy’s expectations and struggles to assert his own identity and independence.

Troy’s relationship with his brother, Gabriel, is also significant. Gabriel is a troubled and vulnerable individual who has been emotionally and psychologically damaged by his experiences in World War II. Troy’s treatment of Gabriel is often patronizing and dismissive, reflecting his own lack of emotional intelligence and empathy.

Throughout the play, Troy’s relationships with his family members are marked by conflict, tension, and a deep-seated sense of disconnection. Troy’s inability to connect with his family on an emotional level is a reflection of his own emotional scars and vulnerabilities. Despite this, the play suggests that it is never too late for Troy to change and to reconnect with his family on a deeper level.

Ultimately, the relationship between Troy Maxson and his family in Fences is a powerful exploration of the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges of human connection. The play highlights the ways in which our relationships with others can be both a source of strength and a source of pain, and it offers a nuanced and compassionate portrayal of the human experience.

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*SECTION B*

(7)
Allison’s miscarriage in John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger is a pivotal and devastating event that sparks the emotional and psychological unraveling of the characters, particularly Jimmy and Allison. On a literal level, the miscarriage represents the loss of a potential future and the destruction of their hopes and dreams. The couple had been struggling to come to terms with their relationship, and the miscarriage serves as a harsh reminder of their inability to create and sustain life.

Symbolically, the miscarriage represents the emotional sterility and barrenness of the characters’ lives. Jimmy and Allison’s relationship is marked by disillusionment, disconnection, and a deep-seated sense of unhappiness. The miscarriage serves as a potent symbol of the emotional emptiness and desolation that pervades their lives.

The miscarriage also serves as a turning point in the play, highlighting the theme of disappointment and disillusionment that runs throughout the narrative. Jimmy’s dreams of a better life, his aspirations for social mobility, and his desire for emotional connection are all disappointed by the miscarriage. The event serves as a harsh reminder of the limitations and constraints of the characters’ lives.

Furthermore, the miscarriage reveals the complexities and nuances of Jimmy’s character. His reaction to the miscarriage is particularly significant, as it reveals the depths of his emotional vulnerability and his inability to cope with the loss. This event ultimately serves as a catalyst for the emotional and psychological unraveling of the characters, highlighting the complexities and nuances of their relationships and the disillusionment and disappointment that pervades their lives.

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(8)
(8)
In John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger, two prominent themes are class conflict and suffering and anger. These themes are intricately woven into the lives of the characters, particularly through the protagonist, Jimmy Porter, and his relationships with those around him.

Class conflict is a central theme that highlights the socio-economic disparities between characters. Jimmy, coming from a working-class background, feels a profound sense of frustration and alienation in a society that seems to favor the upper classes. His wife, Alison, represents this upper-middle-class world, which he resents and views as complacent and disconnected from the realities of life.

The theme of suffering and anger is equally significant in the play. Jimmy embodies the “angry young man” archetype, channeling his frustrations into outbursts directed at those closest to him. His anger stems from a sense of disillusionment with society and a belief that he has been denied opportunities due to his class status.

Together, these themes reveal the complexities of human relationships shaped by societal pressures and personal struggles. Osborne uses Jimmy’s character to critique the complacency he sees in society while simultaneously exposing the destructive nature of unresolved anger.

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*SECTION C*

(9)
In Onu’s poem “The Government Driver on his retirement”, irony is employed as a literary device to convey the speaker’s sentiments and critique societal norms. Here’s a critical examination of the use of irony in the poem:

Irony is used to highlight the contrast between the driver’s expectations and reality. He anticipates a comfortable retirement, but instead, he faces poverty and abandonment. This irony underscores the harsh treatment of retired government employees, who are often left to fend for themselves after years of service.

The poem also employs irony to expose the hypocrisy of the government’s treatment of its employees. The driver is praised for his dedication and service, but when he retires, he is discarded like a used tool. This irony critiques the government’s lack of accountability and care for its employees.

Furthermore, the poem uses irony to comment on the societal norms that prioritize material wealth over human life. The driver’s retirement is marked by poverty and isolation, while those in power continue to accumulate wealth and privilege. This irony highlights the injustices of a system that values wealth over human dignity.

The use of irony in the poem also serves to underscore the speaker’s emotions, conveying a sense of disappointment, frustration, and disillusionment. The irony creates a sense of tragic inevitability, emphasizing the speaker’s powerlessness in the face of an uncaring system.

However, it can be argued that the use of irony in the poem is somewhat heavy-handed, with the speaker’s emotions and critiques being explicitly stated rather than subtly suggested. Additionally, the irony may come across as overly simplistic, failing to capture the complexity of the issues being addressed.

Overall, the use of irony in “The Government Driver on his retirement” effectively highlights the speaker’s sentiments and critiques societal norms, but may benefit from a more nuanced and subtle approach to convey the complexities of the issues being addressed.

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(10)
In Léopold Sédar Senghor’s poem “Black Woman,” the theme of nationalism is central to his celebration of African identity and culture. By personifying Africa as a black woman, Senghor expresses pride in African heritage, challenging colonial narratives that devalue blackness.

The black woman symbolizes the essence of Africa—its beauty, strength, and resilience. Senghor’s admiration for her physical attributes serves to reclaim the dignity of African people, countering negative stereotypes perpetuated by colonial powers. This celebration of beauty represents life and cultural richness that have often been overlooked.
The poem also emphasizes the connection between individual and national identity. The speaker’s relationship with the black woman signifies a bond with his homeland, suggesting that personal identity is deeply rooted in African heritage. This fosters a sense of belonging and unity among Africans, reinforcing the importance of celebrating and preserving their cultural roots.

Senghor critiques colonial assimilation policies that sought to erase African identities. By glorifying African culture, he advocates for a return to indigenous values, encouraging pride in their roots and resistance against cultural imperialism.
In summary, “Black Woman” is a powerful expression of nationalism that affirms the dignity of African identity and calls for unity among Africans in their shared heritage. Through this theme, Senghor contributes to the negritude movement, empowering individuals by embracing their cultural legacy in a post-colonial context.

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*SECTION D*

(11)
In John Donne’s poem “The Good-Morrow”, the poet persona’s view of love undergoes a significant transformation across the three stanzas.

Initially, the speaker describes love as a childish, superficial infatuation, likening it to a “short pleasure” and a “short night” (stanza 1). Love is portrayed as fleeting and lacking depth.

However, in the second stanza, the speaker’s tone shifts as they begin to contemplate the true nature of love. They describe love as a profound, all-encompassing force that transcends the physical realm, stating “our two souls…are one.” Love is now seen as a unifying, almost spiritual connection.

In the final stanza, the speaker’s view of love reaches its most mature and profound expression. Love is described as a journey of discovery, where “we’ll make one little room, an everywhere.” The speaker has come to understand love as a boundless, expansive force that encompasses all aspects of existence.

Through this progression, Donne masterfully explores the complexities and depths of love, revealing the poet persona’s growth from a superficial understanding to a profound, almost mystical comprehension of love’s true nature.

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(12)
In D.H. Lawrence’s poem “BAT”, the relationship between man and the bat is one of fascination, awe, and subtle introspection. The speaker describes the bat’s nocturnal flight, its “dark, swift, little shape” and “leathery wings” with a sense of wonder, emphasizing the bat’s mysterious and elusive nature.

The speaker’s gaze is drawn to the bat’s “bright, dark eyes” and ” tiny, pointed face”, conveying a sense of captivation and curiosity. The bat’s ability to navigate and hunt in the dark, using echolocation, is portrayed as a remarkable and almost supernatural skill.

Through the bat, Lawrence explores the human desire to transcend the limitations of the self and connect with the unknown. The speaker seems to envy the bat’s freedom and agility, its ability to inhabit the night and defy the constraints of human perception.

The poem also suggests a sense of kinship between man and bat, as both are creatures of the night, sharing a common space and experience. The speaker’s observation of the bat becomes a form of self-reflection, inviting the reader to contemplate the human condition and our place within the natural world.

Ultimately, the relationship between man and bat in the poem is one of mutual fascination and respect, highlighting the beauty and mystery of the natural world and our place within it.

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*COMPLETED*