WAEC Literature-In-English Answers (Drama & Poetry) 2026/2027: (WAEC) In the literature-in-English examination cycle, the examination board is using a harmonized syllabus. The drama and poetry sections feature both African and non-African texts.
WAEC Literature-In-English Answers (Drama & Poetry) 2026/2027
Number 1
In Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan’s Once Upon an Elephant, Serubawon’s betrayal of Iya Agba is an important incident in the play. It shows Serubawon as a deceitful, selfish and wicked man who is ready to destroy an innocent person in order to hide his own evil deed.Exam registration guide
Iya Agba is a respected woman in the palace. She knows the truth about some hidden things in the royal family. Serubawon, on the other hand, is a powerful palace figure who wants to protect his position and influence. Instead of standing for truth, he chooses lies and betrayal.
Serubawon betrays Iya Agba when he has an adulterous affair with Adebisi, one of King Akinjobi’s wives. This is a serious offence because Adebisi belongs to the king. When Iya Agba discovers the truth, Serubawon does not confess his wrongdoing. Instead, he turns against her.
He lies against Iya Agba and makes people believe that she is the guilty person. This false accusation damages her good name in the palace. She is disgraced and accused of wrongdoing even though she is innocent. This shows how wicked people in power can use lies to destroy others.Exam questions answers
The betrayal also leads to Iya Agba’s banishment from the palace. She suffers shame and humiliation because of an offence she does not commit. This makes Serubawon’s betrayal very painful because he uses his power to punish the person who knows the truth about him.
Another part of the betrayal is that Serubawon hides the truth about Ajanaku’s birth. Ajanaku is not the true son of King Akinjobi. Serubawon is his real father. By hiding this truth, Serubawon betrays King Akinjobi, Iya Agba and the whole community.
Iya Agba later returns to expose the truth. Her action shows that truth may be hidden for some time, but it cannot be hidden forever. Serubawon’s betrayal also helps to show the themes of deceit, abuse of power and moral corruption in the play.Exam portal membership
In conclusion, Serubawon’s betrayal of Iya Agba is cruel and shameful. He betrays her by lying against her, causing her disgrace, leading to her banishment and hiding the truth about Ajanaku’s birth. Through this betrayal, the playwright shows that lies and abuse of power will eventually be exposed.
Number 2
In Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan’s Once Upon an Elephant, the rape of Desola has serious consequences in the play. It brings suffering to Desola, exposes Ajanaku’s wickedness, causes pain to her family and contributes to the downfall of those involved in evil.
Desola is raped by Ajanaku as part of the Ijedodo ritual. Ajanaku wants to use the blood of virgins to renew his power and remain strong. This act shows him as a cruel and selfish ruler who does not care about the lives of innocent people.
The first consequence of the rape is that Desola suffers physically. After the incident, she becomes weak and begins to die slowly because of the effect of the ritual. Her health is badly affected, and this creates fear and sorrow in her family.
Another consequence is the emotional pain Desola experiences. She is deeply hurt by what happens to her. As a young woman preparing for marriage, the rape brings shame, sorrow and confusion into her life. She weeps and finds it difficult to bear the pain of the incident.
The rape also affects Desola’s relationship with Odekunle, her fiancé. Odekunle is beaten by Ajanaku’s men when they take Desola away. He becomes helpless and sad because he cannot protect the woman he loves. This shows that the evil act does not affect Desola alone; it also affects the man who loves her.
The incident brings sorrow and shame to Desola’s parents. Serubawon, who supports Ajanaku’s evil ambition, later suffers the pain of seeing his own daughter become a victim. This is an example of irony in the play because the evil he supports turns back against his family.
The rape also exposes the wickedness of Ajanaku’s rule. A good ruler should protect his people, but Ajanaku destroys them. By raping Desola for ritual purposes, he proves that he is a tyrant who values power more than human life.
Another consequence is that the incident leads to the search for a solution. Iya Agba becomes important because she knows what must be done to save Desola. Through her knowledge and courage, the truth begins to come out, and Ajanaku’s evil power is challenged.
In conclusion, the rape of Desola has many consequences in the play. It causes physical suffering, emotional pain, family sorrow, and exposes the wickedness of Ajanaku. It also shows that evil actions can return to hurt those who support them.
Number 3
In Efua Sutherland’s The Marriage of Anansewa, Ananse loves his daughter, Anansewa, to a large extent, but his love is not completely pure. His love is mixed with selfishness, greed and the desire to improve his own condition. He wants algood future for Anansewa, but he also uses her as a means of getting wealth from rich chiefs
Ananse shows love for Anansewa by taking care of her education. He wants her to complete her secretarial course and become useful in life. This shows that he does not neglect her as a father. A father who does not love his daughter will not be interested in her education and future.
He also wants Anansewa to marry a rich and important man. To him, marriage to a wealthy chief will give his daughter comfort, respect and security. This shows that Ananse is not only thinking of the present but also of Anansewa’s future. He does not want her to suffer in poverty.
Ananse also shows love for Anansewa by trying to choose the best suitor for her. Although his method is dishonest, he later uses the false death plan to know which of the chiefs truly loves Anansewa. Chief-Who-Is-Chief proves to be the most serious and caring suitor. This suggests that Ananse wants his daughter to end up with a man who values her.
However, Ananse’s love is weakened by his greed. He sends Anansewa’s photographs to four different chiefs and makes each of them believe that he is the chosen suitor. This is wrong because he treats Anansewa like an object that can be used to collect gifts. He uses her beauty and marriage to get money and other benefits from the chiefs.
Ananse also does not fully respect Anansewa’s feelings at first. He makes plans about her marriage without properly seeking her consent. Anansewa is not happy when she discovers what he has done. This shows that Ananse is more interested in his own plan than in her freedom to choose for herself.
His trick also brings confusion and tension. By deceiving many chiefs at the same time, he puts himself and Anansewa in a difficult situation. If the plan had failed, Anansewa would have suffered shame. This shows that Ananse’s love is not careful and responsible enough.
In conclusion, Ananse loves Anansewa as his daughter, and he wants her to have a better future. However, his love is mixed with greed, trickery and selfish ambition. Therefore, Ananse loves Anansewa to a large extent, but his love is not completely selfless.
Number 4
In Efua Sutherland’s The Marriage of Anansewa, the storyteller plays an important role in the development of the play. He is not just a narrator; he helps to explain events, guide the audience and connect the play to the African oral tradition.
The storyteller introduces the play and prepares the audience for the story. From the beginning, he creates the atmosphere of storytelling. This reminds the audience that the play is based on the Ananse tradition, where stories are told orally to teach lessons and entertain people.
The storyteller also links different scenes together. In the play, some events may not be acted directly on stage. The storyteller helps to explain such events so that the audience can understand what is happening. This makes the movement of the story clear and easy to follow.
Another contribution of the storyteller is that he comments on the actions of the characters. He helps the audience to understand the behaviour of Ananse, Anansewa and the chiefs. Through his comments, the audience can see the foolishness, greed, trickery and wisdom shown by different characters.
The storyteller also helps to create humour in the play. The Marriage of Anansewa contains many funny situations, especially because of Ananse’s tricks. The storyteller adds to the comic effect by the way he presents and explains some events. This makes the play lively and interesting.
He also serves as a link between the actors and the audience. In African traditional drama, the audience is not completely separated from the performance. The storyteller helps to maintain this connection by speaking directly and keeping the audience involved in the story.
Furthermore, the storyteller helps to preserve the oral tradition. The play is not written like an ordinary European drama. It contains songs, narration, direct address and storytelling style. Through the storyteller, Efua Sutherland shows the richness of African drama and culture.
The storyteller also helps to bring out the moral lessons of the play. Through his role, the audience can learn about greed, deception, parental control and the importance of wisdom in human relationships.
In conclusion, the storyteller contributes greatly to The Marriage of Anansewa. He introduces the story, links scenes, comments on characters, creates humour and connects the play to African oral tradition. Without the storyteller, the play would not have the same cultural beauty and dramatic effect.
Number 5
In J. B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls, Sheila Birling’s anger has a serious effect on Eva Smith. Her anger leads to Eva’s dismissal from Milwards, where Eva is working as a shop assistant. Although Sheila is not the only person responsible for Eva’s suffering, her action adds to Eva’s hardship and helps to push her further into trouble.
Sheila is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Birling. She comes from a rich family and is used to getting what she wants. Eva Smith, on the other hand, is a poor working-class girl who struggles to survive. The difference between them shows the gap between the rich and the poor in the play.
Sheila becomes angry when she visits Milwards to try on a dress. The dress does not suit her, and she feels embarrassed. She thinks that Eva smiles or laughs at her because of the way she looks in the dress. This makes Sheila angry and jealous.
Because of her anger, Sheila uses her family’s influence to complain to the manager of the shop. Since the Birlings are important customers, the manager listens to Sheila. As a result, Eva is dismissed from her job. This shows how the rich can use their power to harm poor people.
The dismissal has a bad effect on Eva. She loses her job and source of income. Since she is already poor, losing another job makes her condition worse. She finds it more difficult to feed herself and live a decent life. Sheila’s anger therefore increases Eva’s suffering.
Sheila’s action also shows the danger of pride and jealousy. She does not stop to think about the result of her complaint. She only acts out of anger. This teaches that a careless action by a powerful person can destroy the life of someone who is weaker.
However, Sheila later feels sorry for what she has done. When Inspector Goole questions her, she accepts her guilt and does not try to deny it. She is ashamed when she realizes that her anger helped to ruin Eva’s life. This makes Sheila different from her parents, who refuse to accept responsibility.
Sheila’s reaction also helps to develop her character. At the beginning of the play, she appears childish and selfish. But after learning about Eva’s suffering, she becomes more mature and responsible. She understands that people must care about the effect of their actions on others.
The effect of Sheila’s anger also supports one of the major themes of the play, which is social responsibility. Priestley shows that the actions of the upper class can cause pain to the poor. Eva’s suffering is not caused by one person alone, but by several people who fail to treat her with kindness and fairness.
In conclusion, Sheila’s anger has a painful effect on Eva in the play. It causes Eva to lose her job at Milwards and adds to her poverty and suffering. Although Sheila later regrets her action, the damage has already been done. Through this incident, Priestley teaches that anger, pride and abuse of power can destroy innocent lives.
Number 6
In J. B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls, Inspector Goole’s inquiry reveals many important things about Eric Birling. Before the Inspector arrives, Eric appears to be a quiet and careless young man in the Birling family. However, as the inquiry continues, the audience discovers that Eric has a hidden life and that he has contributed to the suffering of Eva Smith.
One important revelation about Eric is that he is a heavy drinker. Even before the Inspector begins to question him fully, there are signs that Eric drinks too much. His behaviour is not always steady, and other members of the family know that he has a drinking problem. This weakness later leads him into serious trouble.
The Inspector’s inquiry also reveals that Eric had a relationship with Eva Smith, who later changed her name to Daisy Renton. He meets her at the Palace Bar when he is drunk. Instead of treating her with respect, he forces himself into her life. This shows that Eric is irresponsible and morally weak at that time.
Another revelation is that Eric makes Eva pregnant. This is a very serious matter because Eva is poor and has nobody to support her properly. Eric’s action adds more suffering to her life. It also shows that he does not think carefully about the consequences of his behaviour.
The inquiry further reveals that Eric steals money from his father’s business. He takes the money because he wants to support Eva after discovering that she is pregnant. Although his intention is partly to help her, stealing is still wrong. This shows that Eric is dishonest and immature.
It is also revealed that Eva refuses to continue taking Eric’s money when she discovers that it is stolen. This makes Eva appear more honest than Eric, even though she is poor. Eric is ashamed when this truth comes out before his family.
Inspector Goole’s inquiry also reveals Eric’s conflict with his parents. Eric is angry when he discovers that his mother refused to help Eva at the charity organization. He blames Mrs Birling because she unknowingly rejected the girl who was carrying her own grandchild. This causes serious tension in the family.
Unlike Mr and Mrs Birling, Eric accepts part of the blame for Eva’s death. He does not try to pretend that he is innocent. Although he has done wrong, he shows regret. This makes him different from his parents, who are more interested in protecting their reputation.
Eric’s reaction shows that he has the ability to change. He feels guilty and understands that the family’s actions have destroyed Eva’s life. Through him, Priestley shows that the younger generation can learn from their mistakes and become more responsible.
In conclusion, Inspector Goole’s inquiry reveals Eric as a weak, irresponsible and troubled young man. It shows that he drinks too much, has a relationship with Eva, makes her pregnant and steals money to support her. However, it also shows that Eric feels sorry for his actions and is more willing to accept responsibility than his parents.
Number 7
In Robert Bolt’s A Man for All Seasons, the falcon is used as an important symbol. It appears early in the play when Norfolk and Alice discuss a falcon that stoops from a great height to attack a heron. Although the discussion looks ordinary at first, it has a deeper meaning in the play.
The falcon symbolizes power and attack. A falcon is a strong bird of prey that comes down suddenly on a weaker bird. In the play, this can be related to the powerful forces that later attack Sir Thomas More. King Henry VIII, Cromwell and the political system become like the falcon because they come against More with great force.
The falcon also symbolizes the power of the state. Sir Thomas More is not an ordinary man, but when the king wants him to support his divorce and accept him as head of the Church, More becomes helpless before royal power. The government uses law, pressure and threats against him. In this sense, the falcon represents the dangerous power above him.
The heron can be seen as a symbol of More. Like the heron, More is the one being hunted. He is not physically strong like the king or Cromwell, but he is wise, calm and careful. He tries to protect himself through silence and the law. However, the powerful people around him are determined to bring him down.
The falcon also helps to foreshadow danger in the play. The discussion of the falcon attacking the heron prepares the audience for what will later happen to More. At first, the danger is only suggested, but later it becomes clear when More is arrested, tried and sentenced to death.
Another use of the falcon is that it shows the difference between Norfolk and More. Norfolk enjoys the idea of hunting and action. He admires the strength and movement of the falcon. More, however, is a man of thought, conscience and law. This difference shows why Norfolk later finds it difficult to understand More’s firm stand.
The falcon also represents reckless power. A falcon that stoops from a great height may not care much about the danger of its action. This can be compared with King Henry’s desire to get what he wants without considering the moral consequences. His power is great, but it is not guided by conscience.
In conclusion, the falcon is an important symbol in A Man for All Seasons. It represents power, attack, danger and the force of the state against an individual. Through the image of the falcon and the heron, Robert Bolt prepares the audience for the conflict between powerful rulers and Sir Thomas More’s conscience.
Number 8
In Robert Bolt’s A Man for All Seasons, the character of Sir Thomas More clearly shows the clash between personal convictions and societal expectations. More is a man who believes strongly in his conscience, his religion and the law. However, the society around him expects him to obey the king and support what most powerful people support, even when it is against his belief.
Thomas More’s personal conviction is first seen in his strong religious faith. As a Catholic, he believes that the Pope is the head of the Church and that marriage is a sacred institution. Therefore, when King Henry VIII wants to divorce his wife and marry Anne Boleyn, More finds it difficult to support him. He does not openly attack the king, but his silence shows that he does not agree with the king’s action.
The societal expectation, however, is that More should support the king. In the society of the play, the king is very powerful, and people are expected to obey him. Many people around More believe that it is safer and wiser for him to agree with the king. They expect him to forget his private belief and act like other public officials.
More’s clash with society is also seen in his refusal to take the oath. The oath is meant to show support for the king’s position as head of the Church. More refuses because taking the oath would mean going against his conscience. He believes that a man should not swear to something he does not truly accept in his heart.
His family also expects him to compromise. Alice, his wife, does not fully understand why he should suffer because of silence. Margaret, his daughter, loves him deeply and wants him to remain alive. They want him to say the words and save himself. However, More believes that if he goes against his conscience, he will no longer be true to himself.
More’s friends also put pressure on him. The Duke of Norfolk wants him to be practical and support the king like others. Norfolk represents the voice of society, which values friendship, loyalty to the king and personal safety. More, however, values truth and conscience more than popularity or comfort.
The clash is also shown through Cromwell and Richard Rich. These men represent a society where ambition and political success are more important than honesty. Rich betrays More in order to gain position, while Cromwell uses the law to trap him. Through them, the play shows that society often rewards those who compromise their conscience.
More’s respect for the law is another part of his personal conviction. He believes that the law should protect a man’s conscience. That is why he chooses silence instead of open rebellion. He hopes that since he has not spoken against the king, the law will protect him. Unfortunately, the society around him twists the law to condemn him.
The final result of the clash is More’s death. He is imprisoned, tried and sentenced to death because he refuses to go against his belief. Even at the point of death, he remains firm. This shows that his conscience is more important to him than his life.
In conclusion, Thomas More’s character depicts the clash between personal convictions and societal expectations because he stands by his conscience in a society that demands obedience to the king. He loses his position, freedom and life, but he does not lose his integrity. Through More, Robert Bolt shows that a person of conscience may suffer, but he remains morally victorious.
Number 9
In The Breast of the Sea, Syl Cheney-Coker makes use of allusion to give the poem a deep historical and religious meaning. The poem does not only talk about the sea as a natural object. It presents the sea as a witness to many painful events in human history.
Allusion is an indirect reference to a person, place, event or story that is known in history, religion or literature. In the poem, the poet uses allusion to remind the reader of suffering, slavery, war and destruction. These references help to make the message of the poem stronger.
One important allusion in the poem is the reference to Noah. This is a biblical allusion to the story of Noah and the flood. In the Bible, the flood destroys the world because of human wickedness, while Noah and his family are saved in the ark. By referring to Noah, the poet reminds the reader of destruction, survival and judgement. It also shows that the sea has been involved in human history for a very long time.
Another important allusion is the reference to the Middle Passage. The Middle Passage refers to the journey of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean during the slave trade. Many Africans suffered and died during this journey. This allusion presents the sea as a witness to slavery and human cruelty. It reminds the reader that the sea carried the pain and cries of enslaved people.
The poet also alludes to East Timor. East Timor is associated with war, suffering and political violence. The reference to the orphans of East Timor shows the effect of war on innocent children. Through this allusion, the poet connects the suffering in one place to the suffering of humanity in general.
The expression about the bloody century also alludes to the many wars and violent events of the twentieth century. The poet suggests that the sea has carried too much pain and history. This makes the poem a comment on human wickedness and the damage caused by war, slavery and oppression.
The use of allusion also makes the sea appear like a living memory. The sea is not just water; it becomes a storehouse of human suffering. It remembers slavery, war, death and displacement. This gives the poem a serious and sorrowful tone.
Furthermore, allusion helps the poet to make the message universal. The poem does not focus on one country or one people alone. By mentioning different historical and biblical events, the poet shows that suffering is a common human experience. The sea connects different places and different periods of history.
In conclusion, allusion is very important in The Breast of the Sea. Through references to Noah, the Middle Passage, East Timor and the bloody century, the poet presents the sea as a witness to human suffering. These allusions help to deepen the poem’s message about violence, slavery, war and the painful memory of history.
Number 10
In S.O.H. Afriyie-Vidza’s Hearty Garlands, the poet celebrates a person who has lived long and achieved much in life. The poem is written as a tribute to an elderly person, and the poet uses warm words to show admiration, respect and joy.
The poet celebrates old age. The person being praised has reached the age of eighty-five. In the poem, old age is not presented as a time of uselessness or regret. Rather, it is shown as a period of honour, peace and respect. The poet sees long life as something worthy of celebration.
The poet also celebrates achievement. The celebrant has not only lived long but has also done much. This means that the person has used his life well. His life is presented as fruitful and meaningful, not wasted. The poet admires the good works and accomplishments of the person.
Another thing the poet celebrates is wisdom. Old age is connected with experience and knowledge. The elderly person is seen as someone who has passed through many stages of life and has gained useful understanding. This makes him a guide to others.
The poet also celebrates mentorship. The celebrant is described as a mentor to others. This shows that he has helped younger people and influenced their lives positively. He is not praised only because of his age but also because of the good impact he has made on others.
The poet celebrates contentment and fulfilment. The person being praised appears satisfied with life. He has reached a stage where past struggles and failures no longer bring deep regret. This shows that a life well lived can bring peace of mind in old age.
The poet also celebrates joy and felicitation. The title Hearty Garlands suggests gifts of love, praise and honour. The poet and others do not want to be left out of the joy of celebrating the elderly person. This gives the poem a happy and appreciative tone.
In conclusion, the poet celebrates long life, achievement, wisdom, mentorship, contentment and joy. Through the poem, Afriyie-Vidza shows that a person who has lived well and influenced others positively deserves honour and celebration.
Number 11
In Seamus Heaney’s Digging, the poet makes use of onomatopoeia to make the poem lively and realistic. Onomatopoeia is the use of words whose sounds suggest their meanings. In the poem, the poet uses sound words to describe the actions of his father and grandfather while they work on the land.
One example of onomatopoeia in the poem is the word “squelch”. This word suggests the wet sound made when the spade enters the soft ground. It helps the reader to imagine the damp soil and the hard work of digging.
Another example is “slap”. This word suggests the sharp sound made when the spade hits or cuts the ground. It makes the action of digging sound real to the reader.
The poet also uses the word “squelch” together with “slap” to create the rhythm of farm work. These sounds remind the reader of the movement of the spade as the farmers dig the soil. Through this, the poet makes the work of his father and grandfather more vivid.
The use of onomatopoeia also shows the poet’s admiration for his father and grandfather. Their work is not described as ordinary work; it is presented with strong sounds that show skill, strength and seriousness. The sound of the spade becomes a symbol of their hard work.
Onomatopoeia also helps to appeal to the sense of hearing. The reader does not only see the farmers digging, but also hears the sound of the digging. This makes the poem more interesting and memorable.
Furthermore, the sound words help to contrast the poet’s work with that of his father and grandfather. While they use the spade to dig the ground, the poet uses his pen to write. The sounds of digging remind him of his family’s past, but he chooses to continue the tradition in his own way through writing.
In conclusion, the use of onomatopoeia in Digging is very important. Words like “squelch” and “slap” make the action of digging sound real. They also help to show the hard work of the poet’s father and grandfather and make the poem more vivid and effective.
Number 12
In Lord Byron’s She Walks in Beauty, the poet presents the lady as a woman of great beauty. Her beauty is not only physical; it is also connected with her calm mind, good character and inner purity. The poet admires her appearance and also suggests that her outward beauty reflects the goodness within her.
One aspect of the lady’s beauty is her physical appearance. The poet presents her as very attractive and graceful. As she walks, her beauty catches attention. Her face, eyes, cheek and brow are described in a way that shows that she is naturally beautiful. Her beauty is not forced or artificial.
Another aspect of her beauty is the harmony between darkness and brightness. The poet compares her beauty to the night of cloudless skies and bright stars. This means that her beauty contains both dark and light features. The darkness may be seen in her hair or eyes, while the brightness may be seen in her face and expression. These two qualities are well balanced in her.
The lady’s beauty is also shown through her calmness. The poet says that her face shows peace and gentleness. She does not look proud or troubled. Her calm appearance suggests that she has a quiet and peaceful mind. This makes her beauty more admirable.
Another aspect of her beauty is her purity and good character. The poet does not only praise her body or face. He also suggests that her beauty comes from a pure heart. Her smiles and expressions show innocence, kindness and goodness. This means that her outward beauty is supported by inner beauty.
The poet also celebrates the softness of her beauty. Her beauty is not loud or excessive. It is simple, gentle and modest. This makes her different from a person who tries too hard to appear beautiful. Her beauty comes naturally and quietly.
In conclusion, the lady’s beauty in She Walks in Beauty is presented in different ways. She is physically attractive, calm, graceful and pure in heart. Through her, Byron shows that true beauty is not only in outward appearance but also in the goodness and peace of the mind.
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