WAEC 2025/2026 Literature Drama & Poetry Answers

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-In “Let Me Die Alone” by John Kargbo, Governor Samuel Rowe’s actions significantly contribute to the central theme of colonialism and its destructive impact on traditional societies. The novel explores the tensions between colonial powers and indigenous cultures, highlighting the devastating consequences of foreign rule.

-Governor Samuel Rowe is a British colonial administrator who embodies the oppressive and exploitative nature of colonialism. His actions are driven by British interests, undermining Yoko’s authority and influence. Rowe’s interference in local affairs and imposition of British laws and customs further exacerbate the conflict.

-The character of Governor Samuel Rowe serves as a catalyst for Yoko’s fall, illustrating the destructive nature of colonialism. Rowe’s manipulation and exploitation of local structures impose dominance over indigenous culture, highlighting cultural imperialism. This clash between colonial and indigenous worldviews leads to the erosion of traditional authority and cultural identity.

-The significance of Rowe’s contribution to Yoko’s fall lies in its representation of colonialism’s broader impact on local populations. Through Rowe’s character, the novel illustrates how colonial powers exploit and manipulate local structures, leading to loss of autonomy and cultural heritage. This serves as a commentary on the lasting effects of colonialism, highlighting the need for resistance and preservation of indigenous cultures.

OR

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Governor Rowe plays a significant role in the downfall of Yoko, the main character in the play. Initially, he gains her trust by promising to support her rule and pledging allegiance to her as a paramount chief. Yoko, believing she has a strong ally in the colonial governor, sacrifices greatly for the British�particularly by surrendering her male subjects for conscription. However, Rowe betrays her trust by sidelining her politically and ignoring her contributions. His decisions, guided by imperial interests, reduce Yoko to a mere tool in British expansion. This betrayal disillusions her and robs her of a sense of purpose, leading her to feel powerless and rejected. Governor Rowe�s manipulation, coupled with the erosion of traditional authority under colonialism, drives Yoko to suicide, symbolizing the tragic impact of colonial interference on African leadership and identity.

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Lamboi’s ambition in “Let Me Die Alone” by John Kargbo relates to the central theme of power struggles and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The novel explores how personal aspirations can lead to conflict and undermine traditional authority.

-Lamboi’s desire for power and influence drives his actions, often putting him at odds with Yoko. His ambition serves as a catalyst for the challenges Yoko faces, undermining his authority and leading to internal conflict and instability.

-The novel highlights the destructive nature of unchecked ambition, showing how it can fracture alliances and erode trust within a community. Lamboi’s relentless pursuit of power ultimately contributes to Yoko’s downfall.

-The significance of Lamboi’s ambition lies in its representation of the destructive potential of personal ambition when prioritized over collective well-being. The novel critiques the pursuit of power at any cost, illustrating its impact on traditional leadership and social cohesion, and underscoring the importance of balancing personal ambition with the greater good.

OR

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Lamboi�s ambition is one of the major internal forces contributing to the instability of Yoko�s rule. As Yoko rises to power, Lamboi grows increasingly envious and resentful, believing that the throne rightfully belongs to him or someone closer to him in lineage. His ambition leads him to conspire with Musa to discredit and ultimately destroy Yoko. Together, they orchestrate lies, spread rumors, and manipulate events to weaken her position. Lamboi�s actions highlight how internal betrayal and greed can be just as damaging as external colonial interference. His ambition disrupts Yoko�s efforts at governance, isolates her from her people, and accelerates her psychological breakdown. Through Lamboi, the play illustrates how the quest for power, when driven by selfish motives, can destabilize communities and cause the downfall of noble leaders.

(3)

In Wole Soyinka�s The Lion and the Jewel, music and dance play a very important role in telling the story. They are not just used for entertainment, they help move the plot forward and show the rich culture of the village of Ilujinle.

From the beginning of the play, music and dance are used to bring the community together and to share stories. One clear example is when the villagers use dance and mime to reenact the arrival of the stranger with the camera. Through drumming, singing, and dancing, they retell the event in a lively and engaging way. This shows how music and dance are used as a way of remembering and passing down history in the traditional African setting.

Music and dance also help us understand the characters better. Baroka, the Bale, is often surrounded by music and dancers, which shows his connection to tradition, his authority, and his charm. On the other hand, Lakunle, the schoolteacher who wants to bring modern ways into the village, avoids music and dance. This difference highlights the main conflict in the play between tradition and modernity.

For Sidi, the dances she takes part in show her beauty and popularity in the village. When she dances, it reflects her confidence and growing sense of self-worth. But at the same time, the dance can also show how others try to control or influence her, especially in the scenes involving courtship and marriage.

Overall, music and dance in The Lion and the Jewel are used in a natural and meaningful way. They help tell the story, show the emotions of the characters, and celebrate the culture of the people. Soyinka uses them to remind the audience of the power of tradition and the richness of African storytelling.

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Sidi, the village belle, is central to the rivalry between Baroka, the cunning traditional chief, and Lakunle, the idealistic schoolteacher. Her beauty and pride provoke different reactions from both men. Baroka sees her as a symbol of youth and fertility, and he uses wit and strategy to win her over, reflecting his manipulative and patriarchal tendencies. On the other hand, Lakunle claims to love Sidi but refuses to pay the bride price, showcasing his misunderstanding of her culture and his own contradictions. He preaches equality and modernity but often belittles Sidi�s intelligence and traditions. Through her interactions with both men, Sidi exposes their flaws�Baroka�s scheming and Lakunle�s hypocrisy. Ultimately, her choice to marry Baroka suggests a complex negotiation of power, tradition, and female agency in a rapidly changing society.

SECTION B

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Concern for Alison (his wife): Despite his constant criticism and verbal attacks on her, Jimmy does show signs of caring for Alison. His emotional outbursts, while often directed at her, seem to stem from his deep frustration and emotional needs, which could suggest that he feels isolated and hurt. There are moments when he seeks comfort in Alison, and his actions suggest that he cares for her, even if he doesn’t know how to express it in a healthy way. For instance, in the scene where he shows concern for her wellbeing after the miscarriage, there is a glimpse of his emotional vulnerability and desire to protect her.

His relationship with Cliff: Jimmy’s bond with his friend Cliff is another indication that, beneath his gruff exterior, he is capable of care. Jimmy is protective of Cliff and often seeks his companionship, even though he pushes him away at times. Their friendship shows that Jimmy is not entirely devoid of compassion; rather, his expressions of affection are often masked by his anger.

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Initial Idealism: Helena begins as a friend of Alison, viewing Jimmy as a passionate and intriguing man. She believes she can help him and handle his anger better than Alison.

Involvement in the Conflict: Helena becomes more involved when she stays with Alison after Alison leaves Jimmy. She develops an affair with Jimmy, thinking she can offer him the solace he needs.

Disillusionment: As she experiences more of Jimmy�s bitterness and emotional pain, Helena realizes that she cannot �save� him. She begins to understand the depth of his anger and its destructive impact on those around him.

Final Self-Awareness: By the end of the play, Helena is disillusioned with her idealistic views. She decides to leave Jimmy and return to Alison, understanding that she is not equipped to deal with the emotional complexities of Jimmy�s character.

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-Alberta’s death in August Wilson’s play “Fences” has a profound impact on Troy Maxson, the protagonist. Alberta, Troy’s mistress, dies giving birth to their daughter, Raynell. This event forces Troy to confront the consequences of his actions and the realities of his life choices. Alberta’s death brings a significant turning point in Troy’s personal life and his relationships with his family.

-It exposes the strain and tension in his marriage to Rose, as it is the ultimate revelation of his infidelity. Troy is compelled to face Rose with the truth of his betrayal, which further fractures their relationship. Rose, who has been a supportive and dedicated wife, is deeply hurt by Troy’s actions but chooses to raise Raynell as her own, showcasing her resilience and capacity for forgiveness.

-For Troy, Alberta’s death is a moment of reckoning. It highlights the complexity of his character, revealing his vulnerabilities and the inner turmoil he experiences as a result of his decisions. He is forced to navigate the guilt and responsibility of raising a child born from an affair, while simultaneously dealing with the loss of Alberta, who represented an escape from his daily struggles and disappointments.

-In essence, Alberta’s death is a catalyst that accelerates the unraveling of Troy’s life. It compels him to confront the reality of his fractured relationships and the impact of his choices on his family. This event underscores the themes of responsibility, redemption, and the inescapable consequences of one’s actions, which are central to the play’s narrative.

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-August Wilson’s play “Fences” offers a nuanced and deeply engaging portrayal of African-American life in the 1950s. The narrative centers on the experiences of Troy Maxson and his family, reflecting the broader social, economic, and cultural challenges faced by African-Americans during this era.

One of the central themes in the play is the impact of systemic racism and segregation on the aspirations and opportunities available to African-Americans.

-Troy’s own life story is emblematic of the limited avenues for advancement that many Black individuals encountered.

His thwarted dreams of becoming a professional baseball player, stymied by racial barriers despite his talent, serve as a poignant reminder of the pervasive discrimination of the time. Wilson also explores the complexities of familial relationships within the African-American community. The tensions between Troy and his son, Cory, highlight the generational conflicts that arise from differing expectations and dreams.

-Troy’s insistence on practicality and survival, shaped by his own struggles, often clashes with Cory’s aspirations for a future beyond the confines of their immediate reality. This dynamic captures the broader struggle between tradition and progress, a common theme in the African-American experience.

-Furthermore, the play delves into themes of identity and resilience. Through characters like Rose, Wilson illustrates the strength and perseverance of African-American women who often carry the emotional burdens of their families. Rose’s journey reflects the sacrifices and unwavering support that are vital to the family’s cohesion, even in the face of betrayal and hardship.

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Colonialism as a Source of Pain and Loss: The title, “The Grieved Land”, immediately suggests a land that is burdened with sorrow and suffering. This grief is not just metaphorical but is deeply rooted in the historical impact of colonialism on African countries.

Colonialism is seen as a force that has wounded the land, not just in terms of physical damage (such as exploitation of resources and displacement of people), but also in a deeper, emotional sense, as it robs the people of their dignity, culture, and sense of identity.

Impact on the People and the Land: In the poem, there is a clear sense of alienation�the people are distanced from their land, and the land itself seems to mourn its lost integrity and freedom. This is a direct effect of colonial occupation, where colonial powers sought to control the land and its people, often disregarding indigenous practices, culture, and governance.

The exploitation of the land and its resources during the colonial period led to environmental degradation and a loss of connection between the people and their ancestral land. The poem might reference this in the description of the land�s grieving.

Loss of Culture and Identity: Colonialism often involved the imposition of foreign values, languages, and religions. In African poetry, this is commonly depicted as an assault on the native culture and identity of the people.

The loss of tradition and the forced adoption of Western norms are recurrent themes in African literature, with the land and its people described as grieving because they have lost their cultural heritage and freedom to foreign influences. “The Grieved Land” might reflect this cultural erosion under colonial rule.

African Poetry and the Effects of Colonialism:- Much of African poetry, especially post-colonial poetry, addresses the emotional and physical scars left by colonialism. Poets such as Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, and others have explored themes of identity crisis, resistance, and the struggle for freedom from colonial oppression.

In this context, “The Grieved Land” shares commonalities with African poetry that focuses on the psychological and cultural wounds of colonization. The land is not only grieved for the exploitation it has suffered but also for the disillusionment and loss of direction that colonialism has left in its wake.

Post-Colonial Reflection: After independence, African poets often reflect on how colonialism left the land and its people in a state of grief, struggling to recover and rebuild. In “The Grieved Land,” the grieving land might represent a nation coming to terms with its past and the struggle to reclaim its dignity and self-worth after colonial rule.

The theme of grief is often used in African poetry to signal the lingering effects of colonization, but it is also a call for healing and recovery.

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-Zhu Song�s poem “The Memory of the Land” reflects on the impact of time on the memory of women within a landscape marked by history and personal narratives. The poem captures how the passage of time weaves itself into the fabric of memory, influencing the way women recall and relate to their past experiences and their connection to the land.

-As time progresses, memories of the women in the poem become layered and complex. The effect of time is depicted as a dual force: it both softens the edges of past hardships and intensifies the longing for what has been lost.

Memories are portrayed as enduring yet evolving, shaped by the ongoing relationship between the women and their environment.

-This connection to the land serves as an anchor for their identities, grounding them even as time threatens to blur the details of their past. Moreover, time imbues the women’s memories with a sense of nostalgia and reflection. The poem suggests that as the years pass, the women gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, viewing them through the lens of wisdom acquired over time.

-This results in a rich tapestry of recollections that are both personal and collective, highlighting the shared history embedded within the land. In essence, “The Memory of the Land” illustrates how time affects memory by adding depth, perspective, and continuity to the women’s stories. It underscores the idea that while individual memories may fade, the collective memory associated with the land endures, preserving the essence of the women’s experiences across generations.

SECTION D

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Physical Love: The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on a past love that was superficial and based on physical attraction. This love is likened to a dream or sleep, implying that it was incomplete or unaware.

Spiritual/Intellectual Love: As the poem progresses, the speaker celebrates a deeper, more profound love. This love transcends the physical and is based on a spiritual and emotional connection. The lovers’ union is described as whole and perfect, where they form a complete world of their own, free from external distractions.

Donne elevates spiritual love as the true, lasting form, suggesting it is more fulfilling and eternal than mere physical attraction.

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-In Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem “Binsey Poplars,” the diction is carefully chosen to evoke both the beauty of nature and the sense of loss resulting from its destruction. Hopkins’ use of language is characterized by vivid and rich imagery, as well as a rhythmic and musical quality that enhances the emotional impact of the poem.

The poem begins with a tender and nostalgic tone, as Hopkins describes the poplar trees with affectionate detail.

-He uses words that convey the elegance and grace of these trees, capturing their visual and aesthetic appeal. The diction here is gentle and reverent, reflecting the poet’s deep appreciation for the natural world. As the poem progresses, the diction shifts to convey a sense of mourning and lamentation.

-Hopkins employs words that suggest violence and destruction, such as “hack and rack,” to describe the felling of the trees. This stark contrast between the beauty of the poplars and the brutality of their destruction serves to heighten the reader’s sense of loss and regret. Furthermore, Hopkins often uses compound words and alliteration to create a musicality in the poem, reflecting the natural rhythm of the landscape he describes.

-His choice of language also includes archaic and inventive terms, which add a unique and personal touch to the poem, drawing the reader into his emotional response to the irreversible change in the landscape. Overall, the diction in “Binsey Poplars” is a powerful tool that Hopkins uses to express both the beauty of nature and the profound sense of loss that comes with its destruction. Through his choice of words, he captures the delicate balance between appreciation and mourning, inviting the reader to reflect on the impact of human actions on the natural world.

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