Part 1: Selected African and Non-African Poetry

1. “Many years on wheels/ in faithful service to his fatherland”. “Wheels” in the given lines from “A Government Driver on His Retirement” is an example of:

• Options: A. Metaphor B. Irony C. Metonymy D. Meiosis

• Topic: Figures of Speech

• Correct Option: C. Metonymy

• Explanation: Metonymy is a figure of speech where a thing or concept is referred to by the name of something closely associated with it. In this context, “wheels” is used to represent the entire vehicle (the car/truck) the driver operated for years.

2. The words “booze” and “zoom” in “A Government Driver on His Retirement” are used as:

• Options: A. Repetition and onomatopoeia B. Metaphor and irony C. Metaphor and personification D. Metonymy and pun

• Topic: Literary Devices

• Correct Option: A. Repetition and onomatopoeia

• Explanation: “Booze” is repeated in the poem to emphasize the driver’s celebration/alcohol consumption. “Zoom” is an onomatopoeia because the word mimics the sound of a fast-moving engine.

3. In the poem “Raider of the Treasure Trove” by Lade Wosornu, _________ spreads toxic fumes on every side.

• Options: A. Anger B. Rage C. Mood D. Zeal

• Topic: Content Analysis (Raider of the Treasure Trove)

• Correct Option: B. Rage

• Explanation: The poem identifies “Rage” as a destructive force that ruins one’s “treasure” (joy/soul) and describes it as spreading toxic fumes, highlighting its poisonous nature to the human spirit.

4. Which of the following is NOT a poetic device in the poem? (Referencing Raider of the Treasure Trove)

• Options: A. Personification B. Rhetorical question C. Metaphor D. Oxymoron

• Topic: Literary Devices

• Correct Option: D. Oxymoron

• Explanation: While the poem uses personification (Rage as a raider), rhetorical questions, and metaphors, it does not significantly employ oxymoron (the pairing of contradictory terms like “bittersweet”).

5. Which of the following is used to emphasize the beauty of the black woman in the poem?

• Options: A. Irony and metaphor B. Metaphor and repetition C. Repetition and personification D. Personification and irony

• Topic: Poetic Techniques (Black Woman)

• Correct Option: B. Metaphor and repetition

• Explanation: Leopold Senghor uses metaphors (comparing her skin to “ripe fruit”) and the repetitive refrain “Black woman, woman black” to create a rhythmic celebration of African beauty.

6. As a Negritude poem, the following are accentuated in the poem EXCEPT:

• Options: A. African beauty B. Nostalgia C. African culture D. African in Diaspora

• Topic: Themes in Negritude Poetry

• Correct Option: D. African in Diaspora

• Explanation: “Black Woman” focuses on the physical continent of Africa and its inherent beauty/culture. While Negritude was started by the diaspora, this specific poem focuses on the “Motherland” itself rather than the experience of living outside Africa.

7. In John Donne’s poem “The Good Morrow,” the phrase “I wonder, by my troth, what thou and I did, till we loved?” suggests:

• Options: A. The speaker’s curiosity about the world before their love B. The speaker’s skepticism about the existence of true love C. The speaker’s confusion about the concept of love D. The speaker’s regret for not falling in love earlier.

• Topic: Interpretation (The Good Morrow)

• Correct Option: A. The speaker’s curiosity about the world before their love

• Explanation: The speaker is marveling at how insignificant and “childish” their lives were before they found each other, suggesting that their “real” life only began when they fell in love.

8. The central theme of “The Good Morrow” revolves around:

• Options: A. The transitory nature of love B. The power of physical attraction C. The discovery of true love D. The conflict between reason and passion

• Topic: Themes (The Good Morrow)

• Correct Option: C. The discovery of true love

• Explanation: The poem celebrates the awakening of the soul through true love, which the poet views as a complete world in itself (“makes one little room an everywhere”).

9. In “The Journey of the Magi” by T.S. Eliot, what is the primary perspective from which the poem is narrated?

• Options: A. The perspective of one of the three wise men B. The perspective of a bystander watching the wise men C. The perspective of the three wise men D. The perspective of an omniscient narrator

• Topic: Narrative Point of View

• Correct Option: A. The perspective of one of the three wise men

• Explanation: The poem is a dramatic monologue spoken by an aged Magus (one of the wise men) reflecting on the journey years later.

10. What is the main theme explored in “The Journey of the Magi”?

• Options: A. The difficulty of physical travel B. The significance of the star in guiding the wise men C. The hardships and challenges of spiritual transformation D. The historical accuracy of the biblical account of the Magi

• Topic: Themes (Journey of the Magi)

• Correct Option: C. The hardships and challenges of spiritual transformation

• Explanation: The poem focuses on the “Birth and Death” paradox—the death of the old pagan ways and the difficult spiritual rebirth required by the coming of Christ.

11. In D.H. Lawrence’s poem “Bat,” what does the bat symbolize?

• Options: A. Freedom and independence B. Fear and darkness C. Loneliness and isolation D. Loyalty and companionship

• Topic: Symbolism

• Correct Option: B. Fear and darkness

• Explanation: Lawrence portrays bats as “shaggy,” “disgusting,” and associated with the “black air,” symbolizing the unsettling and dark side of nature.

12. What is the primary emotion conveyed in “Bat”?

• Options: A. Disgust B. Joy C. Sadness D. Confusion

• Topic: Tone and Mood

• Correct Option: A. Disgust

• Explanation: The speaker repeatedly expresses his revulsion for bats, comparing them to “pieces of old glove” and stating “Not for me!” when it comes to liking them.

Part 2: Wuthering Heights (Emily Brontë)

13. Which of the following best describes the motif of nature in Wuthering Heights?

• Options: A. A stormy weather symbolizing emotional turmoil B. Spring blossoms symbolizing renewal and growth C. Gentle breezes symbolizing peace and tranquility D. A barren landscape symbolizing desolation and isolation

• Topic: Motifs/Setting

• Correct Option: A. A stormy weather symbolizing emotional turmoil

• Explanation: The “Wuthering” in the title refers to the turbulent atmospheric nature of the moors, which mirrors the wild, unrestrained passions of Heathcliff and Catherine.

14. What does the symbol of the moors represent in Wuthering Heights?

• Options: A. A place of freedom and escape from societal constraints B. A symbol of wealth and prosperity C. A setting for romantic encounters between characters D. A representation of social hierarchy and class divisions

• Topic: Symbolism

• Correct Option: A. A place of freedom and escape from societal constraints

• Explanation: For Catherine and Heathcliff, the moors represent a wild, boundary-less space where they can be their true selves, away from the rigid rules of the Grange or the Earnshaw home.

15. The central theme of Wuthering Heights revolves around:

• Options: A. The destructive power of revenge B. The importance of social status and class C. The pursuit of true love and passion D. The consequences of unresolved family feuds

• Topic: Themes

• Correct Option: A. The destructive power of revenge

• Explanation: While love is present, the plot is driven by Heathcliff’s systematic and multi-generational revenge against the Lintons and Earnshaws.

16. How is Heathcliff characterised in Wuthering Heights?

• Options: A. As a tortured and vengeful anti-hero B. As a compassionate and selfless romantic C. As a cunning and manipulative antagonist D. As a morally upright and honorable protagonist

• Topic: Characterization

• Correct Option: A. As a tortured and vengeful anti-hero

• Explanation: Heathcliff is the classic Byronic hero—dark, brooding, and cruel, yet driven by a deep, tortured love for Catherine.

17. Which of the following best describes the writing style in Wuthering Heights?

• Options: A. Dense and lyrical prose with complex sentence structures B. Simple and straightforward language with a focus on dialogue C. Excessive use of symbolism and metaphors D. Experimental and fragmented narrative structure

• Topic: Style

• Correct Option: D. Experimental and fragmented narrative structure

• Explanation: Brontë uses a “frame narrative” (Lockwood recording Nelly Dean’s story) with multiple layers of flashbacks, which was very experimental for its time.

Part 3: Second Class Citizen (Buchi Emecheta)

18. _________ plays a significant role in the account of Adah’s experiences in Nigeria and England.

• Options: A. Characterization B. Setting C. Flashback D. Mood

• Topic: Narrative Technique

• Correct Option: C. Flashback

• Explanation: Emecheta uses flashbacks to explain Adah’s childhood in Nigeria, her struggle for education, and her father’s death, which provide context for her resilience in London.

19. Which character first made his wife an object of entertainment before making her his real wife?

• Options: A. Mr. Nobel B. Mr. Babalola C. Mr. Okpara D. Francis

• Topic: Character Analysis

• Correct Option: B. Mr. Babalola

• Explanation: In the novel, Babalola’s relationship with the girl from his village (whom he initially didn’t treat with the respect of a wife) reflects the social complexities Adah observes.

20. Who describes Adah’s manuscript as her brainchild?

• Options: A. Mr. Smith B. Trudy C. Bill and Peggy D. Mr. Barking and Mr. Smit

• Topic: Plot Details

• Correct Option: C. Bill and Peggy

• Explanation: Bill is the character who encourages Adah’s writing, recognizing the manuscript “The Bride Price” as her intellectual creation (brainchild).

21. Which of the following characters came from Benin?

• Options: A. Mr. Noble B. Mr. Babalola C. Mr. Okpara D. Alice

• Topic: Character Analysis

• Correct Option: A. Mr. Noble

• Explanation: Pa Noble is a Nigerian character in the London diaspora who claims to be from a royal family in Benin to gain respect.

22. Francis and Adah live at __________ at Kentish Town.

• Options: A. Ashdown Street B. Malden Street C. London Street D. Ken Street

• Topic: Setting

• Correct Option: B. Malden Street

• Explanation: This is a specific detail from the text regarding their living arrangements in the slums of North London.

Part 4: Unexpected Joy at Dawn (Alex Agyei-Agyiri)

23. The plot of the novel Unexpected Joy at Dawn is:

• Options: A. Linear B. Organic C. Episodic D. Chronological

• Topic: Plot Structure

• Correct Option: C. Episodic

• Explanation: The novel moves back and forth between Nii Tackie in Ghana and Mama Orojo in Nigeria, using a series of episodes and flashbacks to connect their stories.

24. Nii’s departure from Ghana is facilitated by:

• Options: A. Massa’s death B. Unemployment in Ghana C. Impending deportation D. Linda’s pestering

• Topic: Plot/Conflict

• Correct Option: A. Massa’s death

• Explanation: After the long illness and eventual death of his companion Massa, Nii feels he has nothing left in Ghana and decides to head to Nigeria to find his roots.

25. Which of the following characters proposes Ant Hill project?

• Options: A. Aaron B. Nii C. Joe D. Tally O

• Topic: Character/Plot

• Correct Option: A. Aaron

• Explanation: Aaron Tushie is the visionary behind the Ant Hill brick project, which symbolizes self-reliance and local industry.

26. “Nii, learn to use transport and save your legs.” This writing is addressed to Nii at:

• Options: A. Koforidua Hospital B. Extral mural class C. Hotel Irohin D. Expense Bank

• Topic: Setting/Plot

• Correct Option: D. Expense Bank

• Explanation: This note is part of the correspondence Nii receives while working his stressful job at the bank.

27. When last did Mama and Nii see?

• Options: A. 10 years ago B. 15 years ago C. 12 years ago D. 14 years ago

• Topic: Plot Details

• Correct Option: B. 15 years ago

• Explanation: The siblings were separated by the “Aliens Compliance Order” of 1969, and the story picks up roughly 15 years later.

Part 5: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare)

28. Who has the last line of the play?

• Options: A. Puck B. Bottom C. Theseus D. Hippolyta

• Topic: Structure/Character

• Correct Option: A. Puck

• Explanation: Puck (Robin Goodfellow) delivers the final epilogue, asking the audience for forgiveness and applause (“Give me your hands, if we be friends”).

29. What is the name of the play that the amateur actors are performing for Theseus and Hippolyta’s wedding?

• Options: A. “Pyramus and Thisbe” B. “Romeo and Juliet” C. “Hamlet” D. “Macbeth”

• Topic: Play-within-a-play

• Correct Option: A. “Pyramus and Thisbe”

• Explanation: The “mechanicals” (Bottom and company) perform this tragicomedy as entertainment for the Duke’s wedding.

30. What is the main conflict in Act 1 of A Midsummer Night’s Dream?

• Options: A. Hermia’s father wants her to marry Demetrius but she wants to marry Lysander. B. Hermia’s father does not want her to marry Lysander but she prefers to marry Demetrius. C. The four lovers are all in love with the wrong people. D. The amateur actors are trying to put on a play.

• Topic: Conflict

• Correct Option: A. Hermia’s father wants her to marry Demetrius but she wants to marry Lysander.

• Explanation: Egeus invokes the ancient law of Athens, demanding Hermia marry his choice (Demetrius) or face death/convent life.

Part 6: Look Back in Anger (John Osborne)

31. How does the author convey the theme of social class and inequality in the play?

• Options: A. Through symbolic objects B. Through contrasting dialogue between characters C. Through poetic monologues D. Through surrealistic elements

• Topic: Themes/Technique

• Correct Option: B. Through contrasting dialogue between characters

• Explanation: Jimmy Porter’s relentless verbal attacks on Alison’s upper-middle-class upbringing and “The Establishment” highlight the class divide.

32. Which character undergoes the most significant transformation throughout the play?

• Options: A. Alison Porter B. Cliff Lewis C. Jimmy Porter D. Colonel Redfern

• Topic: Character Development

• Correct Option: A. Alison Porter

• Explanation: Alison goes from a passive, “neutral” wife to a woman who loses her baby and eventually returns to Jimmy, broken and humbled, finally “sharing” his pain.

33. What role does music play in the play’s overall mood and atmosphere?

• Options: A. It serves as a source of tension and conflict between characters B. It provides comic relief in dramatic situations C. It enhances the romantic elements of the story D. It creates a nostalgic and reflective atmosphere

• Topic: Literary Devices (Sound/Music)

• Correct Option: A. It serves as a source of tension and conflict between characters

• Explanation: Jimmy Porter plays the trumpet loudly and off-key to irritate Alison and Helena, using it as a weapon of aggression.

Part 7: The Lion and the Jewel (Wole Soyinka)

34. In Wole Soyinka’s play The Lion and the Jewel, which character typifies African aesthetics?

• Options: A. Baroka B. Sidi C. Lakunle D. Sadiku

• Topic: Characterization

• Correct Option: A. Baroka

• Explanation: Baroka, the “Lion,” represents traditional African culture, cunning, and the preservation of custom against the half-baked Westernization of Lakunle.

35. What is the main conflict in The Lion and the Jewel?

• Options: A. The struggle between tradition and modernity B. The fight for power and control C. Generational conflict D. The clash between different social classes

• Topic: Theme/Conflict

• Correct Option: A. The struggle between tradition and modernity

• Explanation: This is the core theme, represented by the rivalry between Lakunle (modernity) and Baroka (tradition) for Sidi’s hand.

36. What role does photography play in the plot of the play?

• Options: A. Lakunle uses it to document the changing village B. Baroka uses it to capture Sidi’s beauty C. Sidi uses it to assert her independence D. Sadiku uses it to preserve village traditions

• Topic: Symbolism/Plot

• Correct Option: C. Sidi uses it to assert her independence (and vanity)

• Explanation: The magazine photos of Sidi make her realize her own beauty and worth, leading her to believe she is more important than the Bale (Baroka).

Part 8: General Literary Principles

37. Which of the following genres focuses on the moral and psychological growth of the protagonist?

• Options: A. Bildungsroman B. Novelette C. Picaresque D. Gothic novel

• Topic: Literary Genres

• Correct Option: A. Bildungsroman

• Explanation: A “coming-of-age” story (like Second Class Citizen) that tracks the protagonist from youth to adulthood.

38. A short prose narrative that is longer than a short story but shorter than a novel is known as:

• Options: A. Bildungsroman B. Novelette C. Picaresque D. Gothic novel

• Topic: Literary Genres

• Correct Option: B. Novelette

• Explanation: Also sometimes called a “novella,” it falls between the two lengths.

39. In which genre does the main character embark on a series of episodic adventures, often involving deception and trickery?

• Options: A. Bildungsroman B. Novelette C. Picaresque D. Gothic novel

• Topic: Literary Genres

• Correct Option: C. Picaresque

• Explanation: Features a “picaro” (rogue) hero who survives by their wits in a corrupt society.

40. Which genre is characterized by elements of horror, the supernatural, and a gloomy atmosphere?

• Options: A. Bildungsroman B. Novelette C. Picaresque D. Gothic novel

• Topic: Literary Genres

• Correct Option: D. Gothic novel

• Explanation: Wuthering Heights is a classic example of this genre due to its dark setting, ghosts, and intense emotions.