WAEC GCE 2024 LITERATURE II ANSWER




(1)
In John K. Kargbo's Let Me Die Alone, the destructive impact of greed for power is a central theme, as characters who relentlessly pursue authority ultimately face ruin. The play portrays how the thirst for power drives individuals to betrayal, violence, and moral decay, leaving them devastated.

Lamboi, one of the antagonists, is a clear example of how greed for power leads to destruction. Lamboi conspires with Musa to poison Gbanya, the chief of the village, with the aim of seizing control of the chiefdom. His ambition blinds him to loyalty and morality, as he is even willing to betray Yoko, his own relative. However, Lamboi’s plans fail, and his treachery is exposed, leading to his disgrace. His greed not only strips him of power but also tarnishes his reputation.

Musa, the medicine man, is another character consumed by the desire for power. As Lamboi’s accomplice, Musa uses his position of trust to advance his own interests. Despite being a spiritual figure, he becomes complicit in murder for the prospect of personal gain. His actions reveal the corrupting influence of greed. Like Lamboi, Musa’s downfall comes when his role in the conspiracy is uncovered, leaving him discredited.

Gbanya, although a victim of Lamboi and Musa’s schemes, is not entirely blameless. As chief, he is shown to have made questionable decisions to maintain his authority, including submitting to colonial powers. His oppressive rule and compromises highlight his own struggle with the allure of power. Ultimately, his death is a result of the power struggles within the chiefdom, illustrating how greed for power often leads to tragic consequences.

Yoko, initially portrayed as intelligent and resilient, also falls victim to the destructive effects of ambition. After Gbanya’s death, she becomes chief and works tirelessly to consolidate her power. However, her ambition isolates her from her people and leaves her disillusioned. The weight of leadership and the loneliness it brings drive her to suicide, demonstrating how her desire for power leads to personal tragedy.

Through these characters, Kargbo vividly demonstrates that greed for power destroys not only individuals but also relationships and communities. The play serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the moral and personal consequences of prioritizing power above all else.

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(2)
The disappearance of Jeneba, Ndapi’s daughter, becomes a pivotal moment that significantly affects his relationship with Yoko. Ndapi’s emotional reaction to this tragedy highlights his deep grief and frustration, while also exposing the growing divide between Yoko and her people. This incident exacerbates the tension between Ndapi and Yoko, ultimately weakening their relationship and further isolating Yoko as a leader.

When Jeneba goes missing, Ndapi reacts with overwhelming grief and anger. As a father, his pain is raw and personal, and he is desperate to find answers. Unable to control his emotions, he directs his blame toward Yoko, accusing her of neglecting her responsibilities as chief. In Ndapi’s eyes, Yoko has failed to ensure the safety of her people, particularly the most vulnerable, such as his child. His accusations are fueled by his perception that Yoko is more concerned with consolidating her power and impressing colonial authorities than addressing the needs of her community. This creates a sense of betrayal, as Ndapi begins to view Yoko as a detached and self-serving leader.

Ndapi’s reaction is not only an expression of personal anguish but also a reflection of the broader dissatisfaction within the chiefdom. His confrontations with Yoko underscore the tension between her ambitions as a leader and her perceived lack of compassion. His harsh words and open criticism deepen the rift between them, as he becomes one of the most vocal opponents of her leadership. For Ndapi, Yoko’s inability to provide answers about Jeneba’s disappearance symbolizes her failure to protect the community as a whole.

Yoko, on the other hand, struggles to balance her responsibilities as chief with the growing pressure from her people. She is deeply affected by Ndapi’s accusations, but her leadership style prevents her from expressing vulnerability or grief. Instead, she adopts a stoic demeanor, determined to maintain authority and control. This response, however, only widens the gap between her and Ndapi, as well as the rest of the community. Ndapi’s constant criticism undermines Yoko’s credibility and contributes to her increasing isolation. It also highlights her internal conflict, as she realizes that her ambition has come at the cost of trust and unity among her people.

The disappearance of Jeneba and Ndapi’s reaction serve as a turning point in the play, symbolizing the human cost of leadership and ambition. The strained relationship between Ndapi and Yoko reflects the broader theme of the disconnect between leaders and the people they serve. Yoko’s inability to address the emotional needs of her subjects, coupled with Ndapi’s grief and accusations, underscores the devastating impact of personal and communal tragedies on relationships.

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(3)
Lakunle embodies the qualities of a "modern man" through his ideals, behaviour, and approach to societal norms, which are heavily influenced by Western education and civilization. His modernity is evident in his disdain for the traditional ways of life in Ilujinle, his desire for reform, and his romanticized view of progress.

Lakunle’s modern outlook is first highlighted by his opposition to traditional customs. He vehemently rejects the practice of paying a bride price, considering it archaic and demeaning. This is evident in his courtship of Sidi, where he insists on marrying her without fulfilling the traditional requirement of paying the bride price, arguing that it reduces women to commodities. This rejection of tradition marks him as a forward-thinking individual in contrast to the deeply rooted customs of Ilujinle.

His vision for the transformation of Ilujinle into a modern, "civilized" society is another hallmark of his modernity. He dreams of introducing schools, paved roads, and Western-style clothing, which he sees as symbols of progress and enlightenment. His desire to educate the villagers and uplift them from what he perceives as backwardness aligns with the Western ideals of modernization and reform.

Lakunle’s speech and demeanor also set him apart as a modern man. His use of complex vocabulary and flowery language, influenced by his Western education, demonstrates his intellectual aspirations. However, this often alienates him from the villagers, who view him as eccentric and out of touch with their reality. His modern ideas, though progressive, are presented in a manner that fails to resonate with the traditional community he seeks to change.

Despite his modern ideals, Lakunle’s inability to effectively bridge the gap between tradition and modernity highlights the challenges of introducing change in a deeply rooted cultural setting. His lack of practical understanding and his condescending attitude toward the villagers' way of life make him appear foolish and ineffective. His failure to win Sidi’s heart and to implement his reforms underscores the limitations of his idealism when not grounded in an appreciation of the local context.

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(4)
The encounter between Baroka, the Bale of Ilujinle, and the surveyor in Wole Soyinka's The Lion and the Jewel, serves as a critical moment that highlights Baroka’s cunning and resistance to modernity. This event reflects the ongoing conflict between tradition and progress in the play, portraying Baroka as a strategic figure who manipulates situations to maintain his authority and preserve the cultural identity of his community.

The surveyor arrives in Ilujinle with plans to construct a railway through the village. This proposal symbolizes modernization and the potential disruption of traditional ways of life. Baroka, as the custodian of tradition, perceives the railway as a threat to the community's cultural autonomy and his own power as the village leader. Rather than opposing the surveyor directly through force, Baroka employs wit and manipulation to outsmart him, demonstrating his resourcefulness.

Baroka feigns interest in the railway project and lures the surveyor into a false sense of security. He then uses a mixture of charm and intimidation to dissuade the surveyor, ultimately persuading him to abandon the project. Baroka's tactics highlight his understanding of the dynamics between tradition and modernity. While he recognizes the inevitability of change, he is determined to control its pace and ensure it aligns with the values of his people.

This encounter also underscores Baroka’s role as the “Lion” of the play. His ability to outmaneuver the surveyor portrays him as a protector of the village and its traditions. His resistance to the railway symbolizes the broader theme of African communities grappling with the pressures of colonialism and Western influence. By thwarting the surveyor’s plans, Baroka not only asserts his authority but also reaffirms the resilience of tradition in the face of modern encroachments.

Moreover, this scene reinforces Baroka's characterization as a clever and strategic leader who uses intellect and persuasion rather than brute force. It contrasts with the younger characters in the play, such as Lakunle, whose approach to modernity is more idealistic and less pragmatic. Baroka’s actions highlight the complexity of leadership and the need to balance progress with cultural preservation.

In conclusion, the encounter between Baroka and the surveyor is a pivotal moment in *The Lion and the Jewel*, showcasing Baroka’s wit, his resistance to disruptive modernization, and his commitment to safeguarding tradition. It reflects the play’s central themes of cultural identity, tradition, and the negotiation between modernity and heritage.

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(5)
The relationships between Cliff and Alison, and Jimmy and Helena, serve to illustrate varying dynamics of affection, power, and loyalty within the broader themes of class struggle, gender inequality, and emotional instability.

The relationship between Cliff and Alison is characterized by warmth, care, and a sense of mutual understanding that contrasts starkly with Alison’s tumultuous marriage to Jimmy. Cliff, though somewhat unambitious and easygoing, provides Alison with emotional support and tenderness, qualities lacking in her relationship with her husband. Cliff’s affection is demonstrated when he tends to Alison’s physical wounds, such as bandaging her arm after she burns herself. This care reflects a gentle and protective bond, though it remains platonic. Cliff’s presence offers Alison a refuge from Jimmy’s aggression and verbal abuse. His kindness serves as a counterbalance to the hostility she endures, highlighting a more nurturing and egalitarian connection.

On the other hand, the relationship between Jimmy and Helena is rife with tension and ideological conflict, underscored by Jimmy’s disdain for Helena’s upper-class background and moral principles. Helena, much like Alison, becomes a target of Jimmy’s anger and scorn, particularly because she represents the societal values and class that he vehemently opposes. However, their relationship takes a surprising turn when they develop a romantic connection after Alison leaves Jimmy. This union is marked by a mixture of passion and conflict, as Jimmy’s underlying resentment toward Helena’s values never fully dissipates. Helena’s eventual decision to leave Jimmy demonstrates her unwillingness to compromise her principles, signaling a more assertive and self-respecting stance compared to Alison’s earlier passive endurance.

The interplay of these relationships underscores the complexity of human connections in a setting defined by class antagonism and emotional instability. Cliff and Alison’s bond highlights the possibility of compassion and support amidst chaos, while Jimmy and Helena’s relationship reflects the destructive potential of unresolved anger and ideological clashes. Together, these dynamics enrich the play’s exploration of love, loyalty, and the challenges of bridging personal and societal divides.

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(6)
The relationship between Jimmy Porter and Madeline in John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger is presented through Jimmy’s nostalgic recollections, providing insight into his emotional struggles and dissatisfaction with his current life. Madeline, a woman from Jimmy’s past, symbolizes a significant emotional connection that contrasts sharply with the conflicts in his present relationships, particularly with his wife, Alison.

Jimmy remembers Madeline as an older, independent, and passionate woman who understood and accepted his intense and volatile nature. For Jimmy, Madeline represents a time when he felt truly valued and connected, making her a symbol of a lost sense of emotional fulfillment. Through his fond memories of Madeline, it becomes evident that Jimmy idealizes her as someone who matched his emotional depth and intellectual engagement, unlike Alison, who he perceives as passive and detached.

Madeline serves as a direct contrast to Alison, highlighting the incompatibility between Jimmy and his wife. While Madeline is portrayed as bold and vibrant, Alison is depicted as restrained and unresponsive to Jimmy’s emotional intensity. This contrast underscores Jimmy’s dissatisfaction in his marriage, as he feels that Alison fails to provide the kind of mutual understanding and shared passion he experienced with Madeline.

The idealization of Madeline reveals Jimmy’s tendency to romanticize the past. His attachment to her seems to be less about the real person and more about what she represents—a period in his life where he felt more alive and connected. This longing for the past fuels Jimmy’s resentment and bitterness in the present, especially toward Alison, whom he judges harshly in comparison.

Madeline’s memory impacts Jimmy’s emotional state, intensifying his frustration with his marriage. Her symbolic presence in the play highlights themes of dissatisfaction, memory, and the complexities of human relationships. Jimmy’s fixation on Madeline reflects his inability to reconcile the past with the present, leaving him trapped in a cycle of disillusionment and emotional volatility.

In conclusion, Jimmy’s relationship with Madeline, though confined to his memories, plays a crucial role in shaping his character and his interactions with others. Through this relationship, Osborne explores the enduring impact of past emotional connections and the struggles of finding fulfillment in the present. Madeline’s idealized image serves as a poignant reminder of what Jimmy feels he has lost, further deepening the tensions in his life.

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(7)
Rose and Alberta represent two distinct roles in the life of Troy Maxson and highlight different aspects of his character and choices. Through their contrasting roles, Wilson examines themes of love, family, sacrifice, and escapism.

Rose is the devoted wife and moral compass of the Maxson family. Her role is centered on stability, unity, and selflessness. She represents loyalty and resilience, enduring Troy’s flaws and failures while striving to hold the family together. Rose’s request to build a fence symbolizes her desire to protect and nurture her loved ones, even as Troy’s actions threaten the family’s cohesion. Her decision to care for Raynell, Troy’s illegitimate child, exemplifies her deep compassion and ability to rise above betrayal for the sake of innocence and familial responsibility. Rose is a beacon of understanding and forgiveness, embodying a commitment to the family despite her personal suffering.

In contrast, Alberta functions as a symbol of escape for Troy. She represents freedom from the burdens of responsibility and the challenges of his everyday life. Unlike Rose, Alberta exists outside the structure of Troy’s family, offering him a temporary reprieve from his struggles. However, her relationship with Troy ultimately leads to further complications, including the birth of Raynell and the subsequent breakdown of the Maxson family. Alberta’s role is pivotal in exposing Troy’s flaws, such as his inability to confront his problems directly and his tendency to seek solace in destructive ways.

While Rose represent the enduring strength and sacrifices necessary to maintain a family, Alberta highlights Troy’s vulnerabilities and his inclination to avoid accountability. Together, these two women illuminate the complexity of Troy’s character and the consequences of his choices, contributing to the play’s exploration of love, betrayal, and redemption. Through their contrasting roles, Fences underscores the challenges of navigating relationships and the impact of personal decisions on family dynamics

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(8)
Troy Maxson’s funeral serves as a moment of reflection, reconciliation, and closure for his family, highlighting themes of forgiveness, legacy, and redemption. The event forces the characters to confront their emotions about Troy and his influence on their lives, ultimately finding healing and understanding.

Cory’s initial hesitation to attend the funeral reflects his lingering resentment toward his father, whose authoritarian nature and refusal to support Cory’s dreams caused significant tension. However, Rose, Troy’s wife, urges Cory to honor his father, reminding him that Troy’s actions were shaped by his struggles with systemic racism and personal insecurities. She emphasizes that, while Troy’s approach was often harsh, his intentions were rooted in love and a desire to protect his family. This conversation allows Cory to begin forgiving Troy, recognizing both his flaws and his humanity.

Gabriel, Troy’s brother, adds spiritual depth to the funeral. Gabriel, who believes he has a divine connection due to a war injury, performs a ritualistic dance and attempts to blow his trumpet to “open the gates of heaven” for Troy. Though the trumpet fails to sound, Gabriel’s heartfelt cry signifies Troy’s spiritual redemption and acceptance. This act underscores the play’s theme of grace, suggesting that even flawed individuals can find peace in death.

The funeral prompts the family to reflect on Troy’s legacy. Despite his shortcomings, including infidelity and strained relationships, Troy’s sacrifices and resilience shaped the family’s opportunities. Rose helps Cory and Raynell, Troy’s youngest child, understand that his strictness was a response to the limitations and injustices he faced as a Black man. Troy’s insistence on discipline, while often painful, reflected his desire to prepare his family for the challenges of their world.

The fence, a central symbol in the play, takes on new meaning at the funeral. It represents both the barriers Troy created in his relationships and his efforts to protect and connect with his family. In death, the fence symbolizes closure, as the family reconciles with his memory and prepares to move forward.

Troy’s funeral serves as a moment of emotional and spiritual resolution. It allows his family to forgive, heal, and acknowledge the complexities of his legacy, emphasizing the enduring themes of reconciliation, grace, and the complexity of familial bonds.

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(9)
The poem "The Grieved Lands of Africa" employs alliteration effectively to enhance its rhythm, emphasize key themes, and evoke emotional resonance. Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, helps create a musical quality in the poem and underscores the lamentation, resistance, and vitality of Africa despite its historical suffering.

The repetition of consonant sounds in this poem often mirrors the mournful and reflective tone, while also serving as a reminder of resilience and life. Below is an exploration of the use of alliteration in the poem, with examples numbered for clarity:

“Sensation of the stunning”

“Victorious voice”

“Decked with dances”

“Degrading sweet of impure dance”

“Shout out the sound of life”

“Alive in themselves and with us alive”

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(10)
In the poem, the poet uses vivid imagery to convey the plight, resilience, and suffering of women in Sierra Leone during the Atlantic slave trade and the civil war. These images serve to highlight their enduring anguish and the fading memory of their struggles. Through these depictions, the poet emphasizes themes of loss, resistance, and the importance of remembrance.

The opening lines introduce the imagery of erasure and destruction, comparing the fading memory of these women to a piece of art stripped away over time. This metaphor illustrates how history has marginalized their pain, leaving only faint echoes of their experiences. The visual of "lyrics of the song...leaving only a fading time" creates a sense of loss, as the collective memory of their sacrifices is slowly disappearing.

The poet vividly describes the suffering of these women through the metaphor of servitude, likening their conditions to shackles that "cuff the ankles of their souls." This image powerfully conveys their physical and spiritual bondage, evoking the inhumane treatment of enslaved women. Similarly, the phrase "dereliction decapitated the epoch of their lives" suggests the brutal obliteration of their identity and agency. These depictions serve to underscore the dehumanizing impact of slavery and colonial exploitation.

The song itself becomes a central image, symbolizing both the anguish and resilience of the women. In the forlorn fields of plantation farms, the women sing songs of sorrow to express their pain and to momentarily transcend their dire circumstances. The song is both a means of resistance and a testament to their indomitable spirit. As the poem progresses, the song takes on a communal and generational role, described as a way to "cheat the tyranny of time" and connect with future generations. This imagery transforms the song into a bridge between past and present, ensuring that the women’s legacy endures.

In the final stanza, the imagery of death and decay is intertwined with the idea of a dying song. The poet laments that the women’s suffering and the "scar" of their experiences have been forgotten, leaving their legacy in a state of decline. The haunting image of their "souls looking for lyrics" suggests a restless search for recognition and justice. The land itself becomes a symbol of hopelessness, mirroring the unfulfilled cries of the women whose lives were cut short.

Through these evocative images, the poet conveys the profound impact of historical injustices on the women of Sierra Leone, while also mourning the gradual erasure of their memories. The poem is a powerful call to remember and honor their sacrifices, ensuring that their voices are not lost to history.

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(11)
The poet presents nature as an intricate and invaluable part of human existence, lamenting its destruction through the felling of poplar trees in the village of Binsey. Hopkins’ portrayal of nature is infused with both a sense of wonder and an urgent moral critique, as he mourns the loss of beauty and harmony caused by human carelessness.

Nature is depicted as a source of beauty and awe, intricately designed and full of vitality. Hopkins describes the poplar trees as "airy cages," emphasizing their delicate patterns and the interplay of light and shadow created by their branches. This imagery elevates the trees from mere plants to symbols of nature’s artistry. The poet’s admiration for the poplars is deeply personal, as he associates them with a serene landscape that nurtures both the body and the spirit. Nature, in this context, becomes a source of inspiration and solace, offering beauty that enriches human life.

However, the poet also portrays nature as fragile and irreplaceable. He compares the destruction of the trees to damaging an eyeball, a metaphor that underscores the permanence of the loss. Just as the eye is essential for vision and cannot be easily repaired, the natural world, once altered or destroyed, cannot return to its original form. Hopkins emphasizes this fragility to highlight the recklessness of human actions, warning that even well-intentioned attempts to alter nature may cause irreparable harm.

The poet imbues nature with spiritual significance, viewing it as a manifestation of divine creation. The cutting down of the trees is not merely a practical act but a moral and spiritual violation. For Hopkins, the poplars are symbols of God’s intricate handiwork, and their destruction is an affront to the sanctity of creation. This spiritual perspective deepens the poet’s sense of loss and his critique of humanity’s disregard for the sacredness of the environment.

The poet also reflects on the implications of environmental degradation for future generations. He laments that the beauty and harmony once embodied by the poplars will be lost to those who come after, depriving them of the chance to experience the natural world as it once was. This loss extends beyond aesthetics, symbolizing a broader erosion of cultural and ecological heritage. The poem becomes a warning against short-sighted exploitation of nature, urging humanity to consider the long-term consequences of its actions.

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(12)
Metaphor: As a poem with obvious figurative dimension, the poet makes use of a number of metaphorical expressions in the poem. Beginning with the title itself, the idea of “good night” in the title refers to literary death or eternity. Night is the end of one’s life and it represents death. “Day” is the life span of one’ life and it represent life.

Through a series of striking metaphors, Thomas imbues the poem with powerful emotional depth, urging the reader to reflect on life’s fragility and the forceful desire to "rage against the dying of the light."

1. “The flying of sun” represents the bright and beautiful part of life.

2. “The sun in flight” also represents the fact that life is short and transient.

3. “The dying of the light” suggests a peaceful surrender to death.

4. “Their words had forked no lightning they” represents those who have no ability to resist death.

5. “Sunset” represents the moment of death.

7. “Do not go gentle into that good night"
This metaphor represents death as "the good night," which suggests a peaceful, restful end. However, Thomas juxtaposes this with the plea to resist—"do not go gentle." The metaphor of night as a euphemism for death conveys both a sense of finality and the natural, inevitable progression toward it, while the phrase "do not go gentle" implies a fight against this inevitability, emphasizing the human instinct to survive and defy the end.

8. "Old age should burn and rave at close of day"
In this metaphor, old age is portrayed as something that should "burn and rave." The image of burning conveys the intensity and passionate refusal to accept death quietly. To "rave" suggests an uncontrollable energy, further emphasizing the wild, emotional rejection of death. This metaphor highlights the speaker’s view that old age, far from being passive, should be an active, forceful period in life, filled with the same vigor that marked earlier stages.

9. "Rage, rage against the dying of the light"
This is perhaps the most direct and iconic metaphor in the poem, where "the dying of the light" represents the approach of death or the end of life. Light is often associated with life, vitality, and awareness, so its "dying" symbolizes the loss of these qualities. The metaphor urges the reader to resist the fading of life, to maintain one's energy, spirit, and purpose even as death nears.

10. "Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight"
Here, Thomas uses the metaphor of "blinding sight" to describe those who, in their final moments, gain a heightened awareness of life’s meaning or purpose. The idea of being "near death" typically would imply a loss of vision or awareness, yet Thomas flips this by suggesting that the closer one is to death, the clearer one's vision becomes. This metaphor speaks to the paradox of human existence—often, it is in the final moments that the most profound understanding is achieved.








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LITERATURE QUESTIONS

JOHN K. KARGBO - Let me die

1. Show how characters are destroyed by their greed for power

2. How does Ndapi's reaction to the disappearance of Jeneba affect his relationship with Yoko


WOLE SOYINKA: The Lion and the Jewel

3. What makes Lakunle a modern man?

4. Consider the encounter between Baroka and the surveyor.


SECTION B

(NON-AFRICAN DRAMA)

Answer one question only from this section.

JOHN OSBORNE: Look back in anger

5. Comment on the relationship between Cliff and Alison on the one hand, and Jimmy and Helena on the other hand.

6. Examine the relationship between Jimmy and Madeline.

AUGUST WILSON: Fences

7. Compare the roles of Alberta and Rose in the play.

8. Discuss the significance of Troy's funeral.

SECTION C
(AFRICAN POETRY)

Answer one question only from this section.



9. Explore the use of alliteration in Grieved Lands.

10. Discuss the images associated with song in The Song of the Women of my Land.

SECTION D (NON-AFRICAN POETRY)

Answer one question only from this section.

11. How is nature presented in Binsey Poplars?

12. Comment on the use of metaphor in Do not go Gentle into that Good Night.