Question 45
NECO
•
2023
•
LITERATURE_IN_ENGLISH
•
objective
Compare the treatment of colonialism in the African play "Ake: The Years of Childhood" and the European play "An Enemy of the People". Identify two major thematic differences between the plays, explain how each play's cultural context shapes these differences, and evaluate which play offers a more nuanced critique of societal power structures.
Answer Options
A.
The two major thematic differences are (a) the portrayal of colonial trade exploitation versus capitalist market forces in "Ake", and (b) the focus on religious dogma versus political corruption in "An Enemy of the People". The Nigerian context highlights economic oppression, while the Norwegian setting underscores moral hypocrisy. By concentrating on economic exploitation, "Ake" delivers a more nuanced critique of societal power structures than "An Enemy of the People".
B.
The two major thematic differences are (a) the emphasis on indigenous folklore versus industrial modernization in "Ake", and (b) the clash between personal ambition and environmental stewardship in "An Enemy of the People". The Nigerian play's focus on myth makes cultural identity peripheral, while the Norwegian drama's setting highlights ecological concerns. Because "Ake" foregrounds folklore rather than colonial power, it offers a less nuanced critique of societal power structures than "An Enemy of the People".
Correct Answer
C.
The two major thematic differences are (a) the clash of tradition versus colonial education in "Ake", and (b) the conflict between individual truth‑telling and communal economic interests in "An Enemy of the People". The Nigerian play's post‑colonial context makes cultural identity central, while the Norwegian play's democratic setting foregrounds civic responsibility. Because "Ake" ties personal narrative to the broader mechanisms of colonial domination, it offers a more nuanced critique of societal power structures than "An Enemy of the People".
D.
The two major thematic differences are (a) the representation of pre‑colonial religious rites versus scientific rationalism in "Ake", and (b) the tension between individual heroism and collective health crises in "An Enemy of the People". The post‑colonial backdrop of the African play centers on spiritual revival, whereas the European play stresses public health policy. Since "An Enemy of the People" directly confronts institutional corruption, it provides a more nuanced critique of societal power structures than "Ake".
Correct Answer
C
Correct Option:
The two major thematic differences are (a) the clash of tradition versus colonial education in "Ake", and (b) the conflict between individual truth‑telling and communal economic interests in "An Enemy of the People". The Nigerian play's post‑colonial context makes cultural identity central, while the Norwegian play's democratic setting foregrounds civic responsibility. Because "Ake" ties personal narrative to the broader mechanisms of colonial domination, it offers a more nuanced critique of societal power structures than "An Enemy of the People".
About This Question
This is
Neco
2023
Literature In English
Question 45.
It is one of the
objective
questions from the
2023
Neco
Literature In English
examination.
Difficulty level:
Hard
.