JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Literature In English 2002
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2002 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: A literary work that mocks human vices or follies is called

A. satire
B. tragedy
C. elegy
D. epic
Explanation

Satire uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to critique societal or individual flaws, as seen in works like Swift’s *Gulliver’s Travels*.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: The moment of highest emotional intensity in a narrative is known as the

A. exposition
B. climax
C. denouement
D. rising action
Explanation

The climax is the peak of conflict or tension, such as the confrontation in a tragedy’s turning point.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: A narrative technique where events are presented out of chronological order, such as a character recalling past events, is

A. flashback
B. foreshadowing
C. stream of consciousness
D. linear narrative
Explanation

Flashback interrupts the timeline to show past events, enhancing context or character depth.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: A character who undergoes significant internal change, such as learning from their experiences, is described as

A. static
B. dynamic
C. flat
D. foil
Explanation

A dynamic character evolves, like a protagonist who gains wisdom or changes perspective.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: The use of hints to suggest future events in a story, such as ominous signs, is called

A. flashback
B. foreshadowing
C. irony
D. symbolism
Explanation

Foreshadowing provides subtle clues about future plot developments, building anticipation.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: A poem expressing personal emotions in a lyrical form, often addressing a person or object, is called

A. ode
B. epic
C. sonnet
D. ballad
Explanation

An ode is a lyrical poem expressing deep emotion or reflection, like Keats’ *Ode to a Nightingale*.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: The perspective from which a story is narrated, such as first-person or third-person, is known as

A. tone
B. point of view
C. theme
D. mood
Explanation

Point of view determines the narrator’s perspective and how the story is told.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: A play that combines elements of both comedy and tragedy, balancing serious and humorous tones, is called

A. tragi-comedy
B. melodrama
C. farce
D. satire
Explanation

Tragi-comedy blends humor and serious themes, avoiding a fully tragic resolution.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: A character who contrasts with the protagonist to highlight their traits is a

A. foil
B. antagonist
C. protagonist
D. narrator
Explanation

A foil contrasts with the protagonist to emphasize their qualities, like a cautious friend to a bold hero.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: The underlying message or central idea of a literary work, such as justice or love, is the

A. plot
B. theme
C. setting
D. tone
Explanation

The theme is the core idea or moral, unifying the narrative’s events.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: A speech delivered by a character alone on stage, revealing their inner thoughts, is called

A. monologue
B. soliloquy
C. aside
D. dialogue
Explanation

A soliloquy, like Hamlet’s ‘To be or not to be,’ reveals private thoughts to the audience.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: The atmosphere or emotional effect created by a literary work, such as tension or joy, is the

A. tone
B. mood
C. theme
D. point of view
Explanation

Mood is the emotional response evoked in readers by the work’s setting or events.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: A fourteen-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme, such as abab or abba, is called

A. ode
B. sonnet
C. elegy
D. ballad
Explanation

A sonnet, like Shakespeare’s, has 14 lines with a structured rhyme scheme.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: When the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what is expected, it is

A. situational irony
B. dramatic irony
C. verbal irony
D. paradox
Explanation

Situational irony occurs when events defy expectations, like a fire station burning down.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: A brief comment spoken by a character to the audience, unheard by others on stage, is

A. soliloquy
B. monologue
C. aside
D. prologue
Explanation

An aside is a short remark to the audience, revealing a character’s thoughts privately.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: The sequence of events in a story is referred to as

A. setting
B. plot
C. theme
D. conflict
Explanation

The plot is the structured sequence of events driving the narrative.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: A long narrative poem celebrating heroic deeds is called

A. elegy
B. ode
C. epic
D. sonnet
Explanation

An epic, like *Beowulf*, recounts a hero’s grand adventures.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience, such as critical or sympathetic, is the

A. mood
B. tone
C. theme
D. point of view
Explanation

Tone reflects the author’s perspective, shaping the work’s voice.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: A poem mourning the death of someone is called

A. ode
B. elegy
C. sonnet
D. ballad
Explanation

An elegy, like Milton’s *Lycidas*, laments a person’s death.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: The continuation of a sentence across a line break in poetry is called

A. enjambment
B. caesura
C. assonance
D. alliteration
Explanation

Enjambment carries a sentence to the next line, creating flow or tension.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: A character who remains unchanged throughout a story is described as

A. dynamic
B. static
C. round
D. flat
Explanation

A static character, like a minor figure, does not evolve or develop.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: The use of objects or actions to represent abstract ideas is called

A. irony
B. symbolism
C. allegory
D. metaphor
Explanation

Symbolism uses elements like a rose for love to convey deeper meanings.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: A narrative that uses symbolic characters to represent moral ideas is

A. fable
B. allegory
C. myth
D. legend
Explanation

An allegory, like *Pilgrim’s Progress*, uses characters to symbolize moral concepts.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: The opening section of a story that introduces characters and setting is the

A. climax
B. exposition
C. denouement
D. conflict
Explanation

The exposition sets up the story’s background, characters, and setting.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on General Literary Principles: When the audience knows something the characters do not, it is

A. situational irony
B. verbal irony
C. dramatic irony
D. paradox
Explanation

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more, as in a play’s tragic foreshadowing.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on Chinua Achebe’s *Things Fall Apart*: ‘When the moon is shining, the cripple becomes hungry for a walk.’ This reflects the novel’s primary conflict, which is between

A. tradition and colonial influence
B. wealth and poverty
C. men and women
D. youth and age
Explanation

The excerpt hints at Igbo cultural vitality, clashing with colonial disruption, the novel’s core conflict.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on Buchi Emecheta’s *Second Class Citizen*: ‘Adah wanted to write a book, but she had no time.’ Adah’s character is defined by her struggle for

A. personal independence
B. social acceptance
C. political power
D. religious salvation
Explanation

The excerpt shows Adah’s ambition for self-expression, reflecting her fight for independence against racial and gender barriers.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on Ferdinand Oyono’s *The Old Man and the Medal*: ‘Meka felt proud but empty as he held the medal.’ The medal awarded to Meka symbolizes

A. colonial hypocrisy
B. personal honor
C. community pride
D. economic success
Explanation

The excerpt reveals the medal’s hollowness, a superficial colonial gesture masking exploitation.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on Buchi Emecheta’s *The Joys of Motherhood*: ‘Nnu Ego realized her children were her only wealth.’ The novel explores the theme of

A. motherhood and sacrifice
B. political rebellion
C. romantic love
D. technological progress
Explanation

The excerpt underscores Nnu Ego’s sacrifices, central to the novel’s focus on motherhood’s burdens.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on Chinua Achebe’s *Things Fall Apart*: ‘Okonkwo’s gun had exploded and a piece of iron had pierced the boy’s heart.’ Okonkwo’s exile to Mbanta is caused by

A. an accidental killing
B. defiance of the Oracle
C. theft of sacred yams
D. conflict with colonial authorities
Explanation

The excerpt describes the accidental killing, leading to Okonkwo’s seven-year exile.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on William Shakespeare’s *Romeo and Juliet*: ‘A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life.’ The central theme of the play is

A. love and fate
B. political ambition
C. economic rivalry
D. religious devotion
Explanation

The excerpt’s ‘star-cross’d’ highlights the tragic love and fateful destiny of Romeo and Juliet.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on Wole Soyinka’s *The Lion and the Jewel*: ‘Baroka’s bed is not for weaklings.’ Baroka’s victory over Lakunle highlights the triumph of

A. tradition over modernity
B. youth over age
C. wealth over poverty
D. education over ignorance
Explanation

The excerpt reflects Baroka’s traditional allure, defeating Lakunle’s modern ideals.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on August Wilson’s *Fences*: ‘They wouldn’t let me play in the majors because of my color.’ Troy Maxson’s character is shaped by his experiences with

A. racial discrimination
B. military service
C. academic failure
D. religious upbringing
Explanation

The excerpt reveals Troy’s bitterness from racial barriers, shaping his worldview.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on J.C. De Graft’s *Sons and Daughters*: ‘You must be an artist, not a lawyer!’ The play’s conflict revolves around

A. career choices
B. romantic relationships
C. political ideologies
D. economic struggles
Explanation

The excerpt highlights the family tension over the children’s career paths.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on William Shakespeare’s *Romeo and Juliet*: ‘I will make a desperate tender of my child’s love.’ Friar Laurence’s role in the play is to

A. facilitate Romeo and Juliet’s marriage
B. escalate the family feud
C. oppose the lovers’ union
D. support the Capulet family
Explanation

The excerpt shows Friar Laurence’s intent to unite the lovers, hoping to end the feud.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on Wole Soyinka’s *Telephone Conversation* from *Poems of Black Africa*: ‘ARE YOU DARK? OR VERY LIGHT?’ The central theme of the poem is

A. racial prejudice
B. romantic love
C. technological progress
D. spiritual redemption
Explanation

The excerpt’s blunt question exposes the landlord’s racism, the poem’s core theme.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on Gabriel Okara’s *Piano and Drums* from *A Selection of African Poetry*: ‘And I hear a wailing piano.’ In the poem, the piano represents

A. Western civilization
B. African traditions
C. spiritual harmony
D. modern warfare
Explanation

The excerpt’s ‘wailing piano’ symbolizes Western culture, contrasting with African drums.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on John Donne’s *The Sun Rising* from *West African Verse*: ‘Busy old fool, unruly Sun.’ The mood of the poem is

A. playful and romantic
B. somber and reflective
C. angry and defiant
D. spiritual and reverent
Explanation

The excerpt’s playful address to the sun reflects the poem’s lighthearted, romantic tone.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on Lenrie Peters’ *The Panic of Growing Older* from *New Poetry from Africa*: ‘At twenty hope was strong.’ The speaker reflects on

A. the fear of unfulfilled dreams
B. the joy of youth
C. the certainty of success
D. the peace of old age
Explanation

The excerpt hints at fading hope, reflecting anxiety about aging and unfulfilled aspirations.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2002

Based on Christopher Marlowe’s *Doctor Faustus*: ‘Was this the face that launched a thousand ships?’ The central theme of the play is

A. ambition and damnation
B. romantic love
C. political power
D. familial loyalty
Explanation

The excerpt, Faustus’ vision of Helen, reflects his insatiable ambition, leading to his damnation.

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