WAEC 2024/2025 Literature Prose & Obj Answers

Literature Objectives

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Theory/Essay Answers

(1)

In Buchi Emecheta’s “Second Class Citizen,” conflict in marriage is portrayed through the tumultuous relationship between Adah and her husband, Francis. The novel exposes the various dimensions of marital strife, grounded in cultural expectations, gender roles, and personal aspirations that clash between the couple.

Adah, ambitious and driven, seeks to achieve education and autonomy, aspirations which are frequently stifed by Francis, who adheres to traditional Nigerian views that prioritize the husband’s needs and goals over the wife’s. Francis’s control over Adah extends from financial to emotional, often using her immigrant status and lack of independent resources to keep her dependent and submissive. His resistance to her pursuit of education and a career leads to numerous conflicts, highlighting the struggle of many women who fight against patriarchal constraints both in their personal lives and in broader society.

The portrayal of their marriage is a microcosm of the broader societal issues faced by immigrant families, especially those from patriarchal societies trying to find their footing in a more liberal Western context. The conflict in their marriage thus serves to illustrate not only personal discontent but also the larger cultural and systemic challenges that can affect immigrant lives, particularly those of women. Through Adah’s experiences, Emecheta critiques the oppressive structures that limit women’s roles to subservient positions both in family and society.

OR

(1)

In the novel Second Class Citizen, conflict is portrayed through the tumultuous marriage between Adah and Francis, revealing a relationship founded on selfish motives rather than mutual support and love. Adah is driven by a desire to work hard and contribute financially to her family, while Francis seeks to parasitically benefit from Adah’s efforts without reciprocating.

Adah’s dissatisfaction with her mother’s remarriage, which she perceives as a betrayal of her late father, exacerbates her sense of obligation to financially support her family. She dreams of marrying a wealthy man who would allow her mother and brother to live with her, thus solving many of her problems. However, the suitors she encounters are much older, and she cannot accept a marriage where she would be treated as a servant and have to refer to her husband as “Sir” even behind his back. In the Ibuza community from which Adah hails, marriage is viewed as a master-servant relationship where the woman is expected to serve the man, bear many children, and care for them with little or no assistance from the father. This patriarchal mindset deems the education of a girl-child unnecessary, believing it makes women arrogant and irresponsible. Consequently, Adah is not enrolled in school at a young age, even though her brother, Boy, is already attending school.

Despite these societal pressures, Adah marries Francis, a young man studying to become an accountant. Francis is impoverished and cannot afford the five hundred pounds bride price that Adah’s family demands, given her college education, despite none of them contributing to her schooling. Adah’s family refuses to attend the wedding due to this unpaid bride price.

While it cannot be said that Adah and Francis’s union is entirely devoid of love, Francis’s actions and inactions reveal a parasitic relationship rather than a symbiotic one. Adah’s hard work, passion for the family, and substantial salary sustain their marriage, as Francis refuses to find employment to support the family. He does nothing to promote the family’s well-being and frequently writes home to his parents about issues that could be resolved between him and Adah, such as when Adah obtains a family-planning method without his consent.

To Francis, a woman in marriage is a second-class human being, expected to be available for sex at any time, bear numerous children, and face physical abuse if she refuses. Women are to wash clothes, have meals ready at all times, and are deemed incapable of intelligent conversation. Francis dismisses Adah’s aspirations of becoming a writer, fearing his family’s disapproval if his wife were to publish a book.

Adah, despite being the breadwinner, faces maltreatment, beatings, assaults, insults, abandonment, and rejection. Francis neglects their children, ultimately rejecting them in court and expressing indifference about their adoption. The loveless nature of their marriage, as seen through Adah’s perspective, stems from Francis’s refusal to care for and respect the family. Adah resolves to raise her five children on her own, pledging never to let them down. She declares, “The children are mine, and that is enough. I shall never let them down as long as I live,” signaling her determination and resilience in the face of Francis’s abandonment.

It portrays conflict through the deeply flawed marriage of Adah and Francis, highlighting issues of gender inequality, societal expectations, and the struggle for personal independence and dignity within oppressive structures.

(3)

In “Unexpected Joy at Dawn” by Alex Agyei-Agyiri, the meeting between Nii Tackie and Tally O is a pivotal moment that encapsulates the essence of rediscovery and reconnection amidst the sprawling urban chaos of Accra. Nii Tackie, deeply immersed in his quest to locate his deported sister, stumbles upon Tally O, an old friend, in a serendipitous encounter that serves as a brief respite from his tumultuous journey. This meeting is not merely a reunion of two friends; it symbolizes the intertwining of past and present, highlighting the enduring bonds of friendship and shared history. As they converge in the vastness of Accra, their exchange is steeped in nostalgia, yet underscored by the harsh realities of their environment, offering a poignant reflection on the nature of human connection in times of adversity.

The narrative further delves into the complexities of human interactions and moral dilemmas through Nii Tackie’s rejection of Linda’s advances. This subplot is intricately woven into the fabric of the story, showcasing Nii’s unwavering moral fortitude and dedication to his familial obligations. Linda’s advances towards Nii introduce a layer of temptation and conflict, challenging his resolve and testing his loyalty to his absent sister. Nii’s decision to spurn Linda’s overtures is emblematic of his deep-seated principles and the profound sense of duty that guides his actions. This rejection is not merely a refusal of romantic entanglement; it is a reaffirmation of Nii’s commitment to his quest and the values that underpin his character. Through this interaction, the novel explores themes of fidelity, honor, and the sacrifices inherent in the pursuit of a noble cause, enriching the narrative with a nuanced examination of the human spirit.

(4)

Nii’s rejection of Linda’s advances is portrayed through several pivotal points that emphasize his moral integrity, sense of loyalty, and the pressures he faces. Linda persistently tries to convince Nii to travel to Lagos with her, exploiting his difficult situation at home. Despite her relentless efforts, Nii begins to understand her ulterior motive. She offers herself to him as an incentive, revealing her willingness to exploit his vulnerability. Linda’s explicit offer, “I will let you have me for free here and in Lagos, too… I know your wife is sick, quite sick and has not been well for a long time”, underscores her manipulative intentions.

Nii is taken aback by Linda’s lewd proposition. He grapples with the moral dilemma she presents, likening it to the biblical temptation of Joseph. As he tries to discern her true intentions, Linda reveals her need for a British Visa to join her husband in London, a visa she cannot obtain in Ghana. This revelation adds complexity to Nii’s predicament, as Linda’s desperation contrasts with his own ethical boundaries and sense of loyalty to his sick wife.

Linda’s desperation becomes clear when she confides that her only opportunity to obtain a British Visa is to go to Nigeria and acquire it there, leveraging Nii’s Nigerian nationality to facilitate her entry. She proposes a deceitful plan for Nii to pose as her husband, which would circumvent bureaucratic obstacles. This plan puts Nii in a tight spot, challenging his integrity and loyalty to his wife and his principles.

Faced with an impossible choice and unable to walk home due to the curfew, Nii devises a clever escape plan. Stripping off his clothes, he puts them in his bag and runs towards the soldiers at the barrier, shouting about the curfew and pretending to be intoxicated. This ruse works, and the soldiers escort him home, admonishing him to respect the law. Nii’s quick thinking not only extricates him from the immediate danger but also symbolizes his rejection of Linda’s unethical proposition and his commitment to uphold his moral values.

Throughout the encounter, Nii’s loyalty to his ailing wife remains steadfast. Despite Linda’s temptations and his own challenging circumstances, Nii does not waver in his commitment to his wife. His refusal to accept Linda’s offer, even when she exploits his wife’s illness to manipulate him, underscores his deep sense of loyalty and ethical integrity. Nii’s actions reflect his unwavering dedication to his wife’s well-being, despite the allure of escaping his own troubles.

Linda employs manipulative tactics, preying on Nii’s vulnerable situation and offering sexual favors to secure her visa. Nii’s resistance to her advances highlights his moral fortitude and his awareness of the ethical implications of her proposal. By rejecting Linda, Nii demonstrates his unwillingness to compromise his values, even in the face of personal hardship and temptation.

Nii’s encounter with Linda also serves as a broader commentary on societal and ethical issues. Linda’s willingness to use deceit and manipulation to achieve her goals reflects societal pressures and moral compromises people are sometimes forced to consider. Nii’s rejection of her advances and his clever escape highlight the importance of maintaining personal integrity and ethical standards, even in difficult circumstances.

Nii’s rejection of Linda’s advances in Unexpected Joy at Dawn is a complex interplay of moral integrity, loyalty, and quick thinking. Nii’s actions underscore his commitment to his wife and his principles, providing a powerful example of ethical steadfastness in the face of temptation and adversity. Through this narrative, the novel explores the themes of loyalty, integrity, and the ethical challenges individuals face, illustrating the profound impact of personal choices on one’s character and relationships.

(5)

In Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible Man,” blindness serves as a powerful metaphor for the lack of understanding and the deliberate refusal to acknowledge and appreciate the individuality and humanity of others, particularly African Americans in the context of the novel. The recurring motif of blindness underscores the social and personal implications of racism and the willful ignorance that perpetuates it. Characters in the novel who are physically or metaphorically blind are often those who cannot or refuse to see the protagonist for who he truly is, instead projecting their own prejudices and expectations onto him.

This metaphor extends to institutions and societal norms that are blind to the injustices faced by the narrator and others like him. Ellison uses the metaphor to critique the blindness of American society to its own shortcomings and the ways in which systemic racism is perpetuated by this collective sightlessness. The metaphor is woven deeply into the narrative structure, influencing the protagonist’s journey towards self-awareness and underlining the novel’s broader themes of visibility, perception, and identity.

OR

The epilogue of Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man is a critical component of the novel, providing a profound reflection on the narrator’s journey and its broader implications. In this concluding section, the narrator’s stay in the underground serves as a metaphorical and literal representation of his realization of invisibility and the society’s persistent refusal to see him as an individual.

One significant point in the epilogue is the narrator’s introspective journey. The narrator acknowledges that throughout his life, he has been conforming to the desires and expectations of others, effectively erasing his identity. He states, “I have also been called one thing and then answer while no one really wished to hear what I called myself. So after years of lying to adopt the opinions of others, I finally rebelled. I am an invisible man”. This confession highlights his realization that he has been living a lie, shaped by others’ perceptions and definitions of him. His rebellion against these imposed identities signifies a crucial moment of self-awareness and rejection of societal conformity.

The epilogue also delves into the narrator’s reflections on his grandfather’s last words, which have haunted him throughout the novel. His grandfather’s advice to “overcome ’em with yeses” and to “undermine ’em with grins” has been a source of confusion and contemplation. In the epilogue, the narrator continues to struggle with the meaning of these words, indicating his ongoing quest for understanding and self-definition. This internal conflict underscores the complexity of his journey toward self-realization and the challenges of navigating a society that denies his individuality.

Another critical point in the epilogue is the encounter with Mr. Norton in the subway. Mr. Norton, a key figure from the narrator’s past, fails to recognize him, symbolizing the extent of the narrator’s invisibility. Norton’s escape onto another train leaves the narrator feeling depressed and reinforces his sense of being unseen and unrecognized. This moment encapsulates the broader societal blindness to the individuality and humanity of black people, a central theme of the novel.

The narrator’s purpose in writing his story is also a significant aspect of the epilogue. He muses on the pain and suffering he has endured but refuses to let these experiences define his existence. He approaches life with a complex mix of hate and love, determined to retain his humanity. He expresses a desire to become more human, like his grandfather, who embodies a resilient spirit. This determination to maintain his humanity despite the dehumanizing experiences he has faced is a powerful testament to his strength and resilience.

Finally, the narrator resolves to end his hibernation and re-engage with the world. He states, “I’m shaking off the old skin and I’ll leave it here in the hole. I’m coming out, no less invisible without it, but coming out nevertheless… who knows but that, on the lower frequencies, I speak for you?”. This decision to emerge from his self-imposed isolation signifies a renewed commitment to confront society and assert his identity. The rhetorical question with which he ends the narrative suggests that his experiences and insights may resonate with others who feel similarly unseen and unheard.

The epilogue is significant as it encapsulates the narrator’s journey toward self-awareness and his rejection of societal conformity. Through his introspective reflections, the unresolved questions about his grandfather’s words, the encounter with Mr. Norton, his purpose in writing, and his decision to re-engage with the world, the narrator articulates a powerful message about the struggle for identity and recognition in a society that denies individuality. The epilogue not only provides closure to the narrator’s story but also invites readers to reflect on their own visibility and the societal structures that shape their identities.

(6)

The use of blindness as a metaphor in the novel plays a central role in exploring themes of identity, invisibility, and societal indifference. The novel delves into the narrator’s and Tod Clifton’s struggles with conflicting pressures and their uncertainty about their roles in a racially dominated society. This exploration is deeply intertwined with the concept of blindness, which serves as a powerful metaphor for the inability of society to see and acknowledge the true identities and humanity of black individuals.

The narrator’s journey is marked by a search for identity in a society that constantly attempts to define him. As he states at the beginning of the novel, “All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned something tries to tell me what it was.” This quote encapsulates his struggle to find his place and understand himself amidst external pressures and societal expectations. His blackness is a significant part of his identity, but the societal blindness to his individuality and humanity exacerbates his invisibility.

One key example of this metaphor is the narrator’s experience at the Liberty Paint Plant. Initially, he is hopeful that working there will offer him equality and a sense of belonging with the white workers. However, this hope is quickly shattered as he realizes that the plant is merely another setting where his identity is obscured and exploited. This realization marks the beginning of his endless search for identity, highlighting how societal blindness extends beyond race to encompass any system that refuses to see individuals for who they truly are.

The Brotherhood, a political organization that claims to fight racism and inequality, further illustrates the theme of blindness. The narrator initially believes that the Brotherhood will help him find his identity and provide a systematic way of thinking about the world. He embraces their ideology and structures his identity around it, only to discover that the organization is willing to sacrifice him for its own interests. The Brotherhood’s failure to see the narrator as an individual with his own needs and aspirations, instead of just a tool for their cause, underscores the pervasive blindness within even well-intentioned movements.

Tod Clifton’s fate also exemplifies this metaphor. Clifton’s disillusionment with the Brotherhood and his subsequent tragic end demonstrate how societal blindness and betrayal extend to those who seek to challenge or redefine their roles. Clifton’s decision to leave the Brotherhood and his untimely death reflect the harsh reality faced by those who struggle to assert their identities in a society that refuses to see them.

The theme of invisibility is another aspect of this metaphor. The narrator adopts invisibility as a means of expressing himself in a society that is unsafe for black individuals. He is visible only on the surface, but truly invisible to those around him. This invisibility becomes a shield and a means of survival, allowing him to navigate a hostile world. At the beginning of the novel, he tries to explain his invisibility: “I am an invisible man… I have been surrounded by mirrors of hard and distorted glass. When they approach me, they only see my surroundings. I am not complaining, nor am I protesting either. It is sometimes advantageous to be unseen”. This statement reflects his acceptance of invisibility as a double-edged sword – it provides protection but also perpetuates his marginalization.

The societal blindness to the conditions and identities of black individuals is a critical element of the novel. The white race’s inability to recognize and affirm the humanity of black people renders them “vision-less.” This metaphorical blindness prevents any meaningful recognition or validation of the narrator’s and others’ identities, forcing them into a state of perpetual invisibility. The narrator’s decision to go underground and later resurface signifies his plan to fight back against racial prejudice and cast off his invisibility. His underground retreat symbolizes a period of introspection and preparation for a more assertive and visible existence.

The metaphor of blindness in Invisible Man is integral to understanding the novel’s exploration of identity, invisibility, and societal indifference. It highlights the pervasive inability of society to see and acknowledge the true identities and humanity of black individuals. Through the narrator’s and Clifton’s experiences, Ellison underscores the destructive impact of this blindness and the necessity of confronting and overcoming it to achieve true self-awareness and societal recognition.

(8)

The death of Mr. Earnshaw, the patriarch of Wuthering Heights, marks a significant turning point in the fortunes of Heathcliff, the central character in Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. This explores the profound impact of Mr. Earnshaw’s death on Heathcliff’s life and the subsequent chain of events that unfold as a result.

Firstly, Mr. Earnshaw’s preference for Heathcliff over his biological son, Hindley, creates a rift within the family dynamic. Despite Hindley’s resentment towards Heathcliff, Mr. Earnshaw’s favoritism ensures that Heathcliff enjoys a privileged position within the household. This preferential treatment exacerbates Hindley’s animosity towards Heathcliff, laying the groundwork for future conflicts between the two foster brothers. Mr. Earnshaw’s decision to bring Heathcliff into the family thus sets the stage for the tumultuous events that follow.

Secondly, Mr. Earnshaw’s death precipitates a power shift within Wuthering Heights, as Hindley inherits the estate upon his father’s passing. Hindley’s ascension to the role of master further marginalizes Heathcliff, who is relegated to the status of a servant within his own home. This reversal of fortune intensifies Heathcliff’s sense of betrayal and fuels his desire for revenge against Hindley and those associated with him. The loss of his foster father not only deprives Heathcliff of a protector but also exposes him to Hindley’s vindictive nature, setting the stage for their bitter rivalry.

Furthermore, Mr. Earnshaw’s death indirectly contributes to the deterioration of Heathcliff’s relationship with Catherine Earnshaw, his childhood companion and unrequited love. With Mr. Earnshaw’s passing, Catherine’s familial obligations and societal expectations compel her to consider marriage to Edgar Linton, despite her deep affection for Heathcliff. This development not only devastates Heathcliff but also sets in motion a chain of events that culminate in tragedy for all involved. The absence of Mr. Earnshaw deprives Heathcliff of a potential ally in his pursuit of Catherine’s love, further isolating him in his grief and resentment.

Moreover, Mr. Earnshaw’s death underscores the theme of mortality that permeates the novel, as characters grapple with loss and the transient nature of life. The deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Earnshaw, along with other characters throughout the narrative, serve as reminders of the fragility of existence and the inevitability of death. Heathcliff, in particular, is haunted by the specter of mortality, as he wrestles with the memories of his departed loved ones and the futility of his own existence.

The death of Mr. Earnshaw reverberates throughout Wuthering Heights, profoundly impacting the trajectory of Heathcliff’s life and shaping the course of the novel. From setting the stage for familial discord to deepening Heathcliff’s sense of betrayal and loss, Mr. Earnshaw’s death serves as a catalyst for the unfolding tragedy that ensnares the characters of Emily Bronte’s iconic novel.

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