Practice Post UTME RHEMA UNIVERSITY literature 2020 Past Questions

Question 1

In the poem 'The New Colossus' by Emma Lazarus, what is the significance of the line 'Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free'?

A. It represents the American Dream as a beacon of hope for immigrants

B. It symbolizes the struggle for freedom and equality

C. It highlights the importance of cultural diversity in the United States

D. It emphasizes the need for social justice and reform

Question 2

In William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', what is the role of the witches in the play?

A. They serve as a chorus, providing commentary on the action.

B. They drive the plot forward with their prophecies.

C. They symbolize the supernatural forces that shape Macbeth's destiny.

D. They are mere comedic relief in an otherwise serious play.

Question 3

In the poem 'The Waste Land' by T.S. Eliot, the speaker is a modernist figure who is struggling to find meaning and connection in a post-World War I world. Analyze the ways in which Eliot uses imagery and symbolism to explore the themes of disillusionment and spiritual decay.

A. The poem's use of imagery creates a sense of disillusionment and spiritual decay, reflecting the speaker's feelings of disconnection and despair.

B. The poem's imagery is overly complex and does not effectively convey the speaker's emotions.

C. The poem's use of symbolism highlights the speaker's struggles with identity and belonging.

D. The poem's imagery and symbolism are not relevant to the themes of disillusionment and spiritual decay.

Question 4

In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', what is the primary function of the character of Friar Lawrence?

A. To serve as a mediator between the two families

B. To provide comedic relief in the play

C. To act as a confidant to Romeo

D. To serve as a symbol of the conflict between fate and free will

Question 5

In Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart', what is the significance of the title 'Things Fall Apart'?

A. It reflects the chaos and disorder that occurs in the novel.

B. It symbolizes the breakdown of traditional Igbo culture.

C. It represents the fragmentation of the protagonist's identity.

D. It is a reference to the biblical book of Ezekiel.

Question 6

In the poem 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock' by T.S. Eliot, the speaker is a modernist figure who is struggling to find his place in the world. Analyze the ways in which Eliot uses imagery and symbolism to explore the themes of alienation and disillusionment.

A. The poem's use of imagery creates a sense of alienation and disillusionment, reflecting the speaker's feelings of isolation and disconnection.

B. The poem's imagery is overly complex and does not effectively convey the speaker's emotions.

C. The poem's use of symbolism highlights the speaker's struggles with identity and belonging.

D. The poem's imagery and symbolism are not relevant to the themes of alienation and disillusionment.

Question 7

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby', what is the significance of the green light across the water?

A. It represents the elusive American Dream.

B. It symbolizes Gatsby's longing for Daisy.

C. It is a mere symbol of wealth and status.

D. It has no significance whatsoever.

Question 8

In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', what is the significance of the balcony scene in Act 2, Scene 2?

A. It marks the beginning of Romeo's love for Juliet.

B. It showcases Juliet's independence and strong will.

C. It highlights the societal pressures that lead to the tragic ending.

D. It is a pivotal moment in the play where Romeo and Juliet declare their love for each other.

Question 9

In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', how does the character of Friar Lawrence contribute to the tragic outcome?

A. By providing a false sense of security to Romeo and Juliet

B. Through his manipulation of the lovers' emotions

C. By serving as a catalyst for the conflict between the Montagues and Capulets

D. By failing to prevent the tragic events from unfolding

Question 10

In Wole Soyinka's 'Death and the King's Horseman', what is the symbolic significance of Elesin's refusal to die?

A. Elesin's refusal symbolizes the struggle between tradition and modernity.

B. Elesin's refusal symbolizes the inevitability of death.

C. Elesin's refusal symbolizes the power of the king's horseman.

D. Elesin's refusal symbolizes the importance of cultural heritage.

Question 11

In the novel 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, what is the significance of the Valley of Ashes?

A. It represents the moral decay and corruption of society

B. It symbolizes the contrast between wealth and poverty

C. It is a symbol of the American Dream

D. It represents the decline of the old aristocracy

Question 12

In the play 'A Raisin in the Sun' by Lorraine Hansberry, what is the significance of the character Beneatha?

A. Beneatha represents the struggle for identity and self-discovery.

B. Beneatha represents the importance of family and tradition.

C. Beneatha represents the power of education and knowledge.

D. Beneatha represents the inevitability of change and progress.

Question 13

In the poem 'The New Colossus' by Emma Lazarus, what is the symbolic meaning of the 'huddled masses yearning to breathe free'?

A. The struggles of the working class

B. The longing for freedom and opportunity

C. The desire for wealth and material possessions

D. The need for social justice and equality

Question 14

In the play 'Hamlet' by William Shakespeare, what is the symbolic meaning of the ghost of King Hamlet?

A. It represents the guilt and conscience of Prince Hamlet

B. It symbolizes the corruption and decay of the royal family

C. It represents the conflict between fate and free will

D. It is a symbol of the supernatural and the unknown

Question 15

In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', what is the primary function of the Chorus in Act 1, Scene 1?

A. To narrate the story and provide background information

B. To comment on the characters' actions and motivations

C. To introduce the setting and establish the tone

D. To provide comic relief and break the tension

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