2024 NABTEB GCE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH: NABTEB GCE Literature in English (Lit) 2025 Legit Answers (5809)

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Culture shock is a dominant theme in the novel, vividly explored through the contrasting beliefs and practices of traditional African life and the modern Western world. The novel captures the tension and emotional turmoil that characters experience as they grapple with these conflicting cultural norms, particularly through the experiences of Adah and Francis.

Adah, the protagonist, embodies the struggle of navigating two worlds. Raised in a patriarchal and tradition-bound Nigerian society, she is subjected to cultural expectations that undermine her potential. Her childhood reflects this clash early on, as the Ibuza community sees female children as inferior to male ones, emphasizing their role in domestic work and early marriage rather than education. Despite these barriers, Adah defies expectations by pursuing education, representing her embrace of modernity and the promise of self-determination. However, this defiance sets the stage for her eventual conflict with Francis, who remains deeply rooted in traditional values despite exposure to a Western environment.

Francis serves as a foil to Adah’s modern outlook. His adherence to African traditions is unwavering, even after moving to London. For example, Francis insists on consulting his 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' family before making decisions about his home and criticizes Adah for not conforming to traditional expressions of love, such as crying when he departs. His reliance on cultural rituals, such as invoking the River Oboshi goddess for blessings and protection, underscores his resistance to modernity. This tension is further highlighted in Francis’s views on family planning, which he rejects as a modern intrusion, leading to further discord in their marriage.

The novel also explores culture shock in the interactions between African and Western values within the immigrant community in London. Characters like Mr. Noble exhibit extreme traditional beliefs, such as claiming his mother’s witchcraft to threaten tenants, demonstrating how deeply ingrained superstitions persist even in a foreign setting. This clash between traditional and modern perspectives is mirrored in Adah’s reflections on polygamy and abstinence during nursing, practices rooted in superstition but rationalized within her community.

Adah’s exposure to Western ideals, particularly her adoption of family planning, symbolizes her shift toward modernity and rationality. However, this progressive stance alienates her from Francis, who views it as a betrayal of their cultural norms. The stark contrast between Adah’s adaptation to modernity and Francis’s 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' rigid adherence to tradition creates an insurmountable rift, illustrating how culture shock can disrupt relationships and identities.

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Miss Stirling plays a significant role in the development of the plot, as she represents the embodiment of subtle systemic racism and condescension that Adah faces as an immigrant in Britain. Her character, though not overtly malicious, highlights the challenges of navigating cultural differences and societal prejudices, contributing significantly to Adah’s growth and her eventual understanding of her status in a foreign land.

As Adah’s employer, Miss Stirling provides her with a job as a library clerk. This opportunity is significant because it offers Adah a semblance of independence and a chance to support her family financially, despite the struggles she faces at home with Francis. However, Miss Stirling’s interactions with Adah are laden with the paternalistic attitudes typical of the time. She views Adah through a lens of superiority, often infantilizing her or treating her as incapable of complex reasoning. This dynamic subtly underscores the broader societal view of immigrants as "second-class citizens."

Moreover, Miss Stirling’s well-meaning but patronizing attitude challenges Adah to assert her self-worth and navigate her identity in a society that often devalues her. Her presence in the story helps illuminate the ways in 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' which racism and classism operate in subtle, everyday interactions, making Adah’s struggle for respect and recognition even more poignant.

Miss Stirling also serves as a counterpoint to Adah’s resilience and determination. While Miss Stirling might see herself as charitable or progressive for employing Adah, it is Adah’s hard work and intellect that drive her success. This contrast underscores the theme of self-reliance and the importance of perseverance in overcoming systemic barriers.

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One prominent example of irony is evident in the protagonist, Nii Tackie, who leaves Ghana for Nigeria in search of better opportunities, only to encounter a reversal of fortunes. Initially, Nii believes Nigeria will be a place of refuge and prosperity. However, he is faced with hostility, xenophobia, and economic struggles that contrast sharply with his expectations. This situational irony underscores the precariousness of migration and the false allure of greener pastures.

Another layer of irony is found in the political and social environment depicted in the novel. Both Ghana and Nigeria, despite being part of the same West African region and sharing similar histories, are portrayed as unwelcoming and distrustful toward each other’s citizens. The Ghana Must Go policy, intended to protect local interests, ironically leads to the displacement and suffering of many, including Nii and his loved ones. This highlights the contradictions within nationalist policies and their human consequences.

The personal relationships in the story also reflect ironic elements. Nii’s connection with Massa, his ailing partner, is marked by a bitter twist of fate. Despite his devotion, he is unable to save her, and her death becomes a poignant reminder of 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' the unpredictability of life. Similarly, the concept of "unexpected joy" in the title itself carries an ironic undertone, as moments of happiness are fleeting and often overshadowed by deeper struggles.

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This novel also captures the spate of a corrupt society with high societal moral decadence as a theme of political failure. The two governments Nigeria and Ghana are liable for the two problems. Firstly, the Ghanaian society is portrayed as a corrupt and filthy one where the environment and economic is in total mess with outright mismanagement of public funds. The security personnel at the border where Nii and others try to escape collect bribe from him in order to facilitate their escape. They also experience another form of corruption when they get to the Nigerian border. A certain security man captures Nii and others in an attempt to cross Nigerian border. They are subsequently and singlehandedly taken to cassava farm where the other will use them as slave before they can regain their freedom.

Mama also have a fair share of this corrupt society when she bought a fake gold ring from a man called I-put-it-to-me, whose identity has never been traced.

Also, the entire environment is in total mess. The Kantamanto market that used to be the pride of the town is gutted by unexplained fire which destroyed part of its frame. The Korie Lagoon that supplies water to the town now stinks as people now defecate in it. The lagoon also habours some 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' criminals who go about smoking marijuana. Nii attempts to answer the call of nature, he comes across what draws his attention. He beholds an object covered with cloth which turns out to be body of a dead woman.

The religious homes are not also free from this corruption and moral decadence. This is seen in the occasion when Nii visits a spiritualist for confession, the fee for corruption is said to be so high that Nii had to think otherwise. Amen Kristi refuses to honour the marriage between Mama and Joe on the ground that Joe is not a Nigerian but recommend Tom Monday as the only alternative. Religious organization are supposed to promote peace and oneness and not to aid and abet xenophobia and tribalism.

In addition, all manners of corruption can also be traceable o the civil servants, and business men. The nation’s mineral wealth is dubiously controlled by unscrupulous gem dealers like Joe and Tally O. These are aided in their enterprise by people like Naidoo, a friend of Joe who serves in the Mineral Boards and works part-time supplying insider information to the gem cartel are also aided by operatives of the state security apparatus, like the corporal who leads Mama to Joe at the Beyeeman office complex so that Mama can buy genuine gold. Also, the leader of the Susu union absconds with the market women’s money 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' leaving his wife and children.

Nii on his part dumps his dead wife, Massa, at the Koforidua Mortuary and leaves. to further juxtapose the level of decadence and corruption, the novelist summarizes it all when her says “The country was not ready for its creative thinkers inventors and innovators”

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Themes of power and gender, reflecting the social structures and dynamics of the Victorian era. The interplay between power, class, and gender forms a central framework for understanding the motivations and conflicts of the characters, especially through Heathcliff and Catherine.

Power is portrayed as a driving force for characters, often linked to social class and control. Heathcliff’s journey exemplifies the relentless pursuit of power. Born as a homeless orphan, he is elevated to the status of a gentleman by Mr. Earnshaw, yet faces rejection and abuse due to his ambiguous origins. This early treatment instills in Heathcliff a fierce determination to climb the social ladder and assert dominance. When Catherine rejects him for Edgar Linton, citing Heathcliff’s inability to elevate her socially, he leaves Wuthering Heights to transform himself. Upon his return, he is a wealthy and manipulative figure, using his newfound power to exact revenge and achieve control. His marriage to Isabella Linton is not born of love but is a calculated move to acquire wealth and land, reinforcing his role as a "capitalist villain" driven by the desire to exploit and control, rather than dismantle, the class system.

Contrastingly, Catherine’s relationship with power is rooted in maintaining her privileged status. As a member of the aristocracy, she does not struggle to gain power but instead seeks to preserve her position in society. 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' Catherine’s decision to marry Edgar Linton over Heathcliff underscores her prioritization of status and societal expectations. Edgar, as a member of the professional middle class, offers her the stability and recognition that Heathcliff, with his uncertain background, cannot. Catherine’s narcissistic tendencies are evident as she sacrifices her emotional connection with Heathcliff for the promise of becoming the most respected lady in the neighborhood. Her actions reveal the constraints of gender roles in the Victorian era, where women’s power was often tied to their social and marital choices.

Gender dynamics in the novel further highlight the imbalance of power. Heathcliff’s treatment of women, particularly Isabella and his son’s wife, Cathy, reveals his exploitation of gender norms to assert dominance. He views Isabella as a pawn in his larger scheme to claim the Linton inheritance, disregarding her emotions and autonomy. Similarly, he forces his son, Linton, into a marriage with Cathy to secure his control over Thrushcross Grange. These actions underline the limited agency women possess in the novel, as their value is often tied to their ability to serve male ambitions.

However, young Cathy and Hareton’s relationship offers a counterpoint to the destructive power struggles of the older generation. Their bond, marked by mutual respect and equality, represents the potential for balance between gender and power. Unlike their 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' predecessors, their relationship is not driven by societal expectations or the pursuit of dominance but by genuine connection, suggesting a resolution to the tensions that have plagued Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange.

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Nelly Dean formally know as Ellen Dean is the chief narrator of Wuthering Heights. She is a sensible, intelligent and compassionate woman. She grew up alongside Hindley and Catherine Earnshaw and she is deeply involved in the story she narrates. She has strong feelings for the characters in her story and these feelings complete her narration.

Nelly is a maid at Thrushcross Grange at the beginning. She gives Lockwood the full doze on the history of both houses, the Grange and Heights. She’s loyal to the Linton family of Grange and to certain members of the Earnshaw family, the owners of Wuthering Heights. That loyalty influence her narrations at times. She is also very opinionated, and she’s willing to express herself both positively and negatively. She really dislikes Heathcliff and it is revealed through her narration. She uses sassy comments about Heathcliff and other characters. She says Heathcliff looks like demon or a ghoul.

Nelly is romantic at heart and she exaggerates things to heighten the drama both as a character in the story and the person telling the story. For example, she encourages Heathcliff to invent a noble background for himself. Nelly is an unreliable narrator because she is telling her own version of the story that occurred at Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. She is telling her own version of the story someone else hold her too. Everything Lockwood hears about the history of these people and 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' these two houses is filtered through Nelly.

She is loyal to both Hareton Earnshaw and Cathy Linton because she raises them when their mothers died shortly after giving birth to them. Her attachment to them is strong, and her opinion of them is higher than others.

Nelly is information bearer, for she is able to make us understand the intensity of the love that Catherine feels for Heathcliff.

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The narrative technique in Invisible Man is a key element that shapes the novel’s themes and its reader’s understanding of the protagonist’s journey. The use of the first-person point of view is central to its narrative structure, as it allows readers to directly access the thoughts, emotions, and perceptions of the unnamed protagonist. Through this perspective, the novel captures the deeply personal and subjective experience of invisibility and racial identity.

The first-person narration is not just a recounting of events but also an introspective analysis of the protagonist’s life, making it semi-autobiographical in nature. This narrative style reflects the protagonist’s psychological and social struggles, particularly his realization of how society’s prejudices render him "invisible." By telling the story from his perspective, Ellison ensures that the narrative is deeply personal and authentic, immersing the reader in the protagonist’s journey from naivety to self-awareness.

Ellison’s narrator serves as both a participant in and an observer of events. This duality enables the novel to blend personal experience with broader social commentary. For instance, the narrator’s role in organizations like the Brotherhood reveals not only his personal disillusionment but also critiques on race relations and ideological manipulation in mid-20th-century America. The epilogue furthers this introspection, as the narrator 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' reflects on his experiences and seeks to share insights that he believes could illuminate societal truths.

Additionally, Ellison employs a fragmented and episodic structure that mirrors the narrator’s chaotic journey. Each episode contributes to the protagonist’s development, reflecting the disjointed nature of his attempts to navigate a society that refuses to acknowledge his individuality. The narrative shifts between moments of realism, surrealism, and symbolic allegory, which enrich the text’s exploration of identity and social invisibility.

The treatment of other characters is another significant aspect of the narrative technique. The narrator often depicts them as extensions of his own journey, sometimes reducing them to symbols of broader societal forces. This mirrors how the protagonist himself is treated—as a symbol rather than an individual—by the people and institutions he en

counters.

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(i) Mr. Norton:

Mr. Norton is an elderly white man and a co-founder of the narrator’s college, symbolizing the white Northern Liberal who believes it is his duty to "civilize" blacks. He views African Americans as inferior and dependent on white guidance for survival and success. Although he appears kind and generous, his actions reveal a patronizing and exploitative attitude. For instance, he gives Jim Trueblood money after hearing his horrifying incest story, encouraging the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. Mr. Norton’s behavior also highlights the double standards of white superiority, as he rewards blacks for degrading themselves, such as during the battle royal. His involvement in the narrator’s expulsion shows his role in maintaining systemic oppression. Alongside Bledsoe, Norton represents the oppressive partnership of white liberals and black enablers in perpetuating inequality.

(ii) Dr. Bledsoe:

Dr. Bledsoe, the black president of the narrator’s college, is a cunning, self-serving, and hypocritical man. While outwardly submissive to whites, he secretly manipulates situations to maintain his authority and privileges. He embodies betrayal, as he expels the narrator despite Mr. Norton stating the narrator is not at fault. Instead, Bledsoe sends the narrator away with deceptive recommendation letters, effectively sabotaging his future. His statement that he would "hang the blacks" to keep his position reveals his 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' willingness to sacrifice his people for personal gain.

Bledsoe serves as a foil to the narrator, exposing the dangers of blind ambition and the moral decay that comes with selfishness. While Bledsoe represents the corruption of success, the narrator grows morally and emotionally, showing a clear contrast between the two by the novel’s end. Bledsoe’s character also mirrors Booker T. Washington’s philosophy of black submission, as he upholds white dominance to secure his own power. Through Bledsoe, the novel critiques those who betray their race for personal advancement.

(iii) Mary Rambo:

Mary Rambo is a compassionate and resilient black woman who represents the strength and dignity of black women. She takes the narrator in when he is homeless and recovering from his traumatic experience at the Liberty Paint Factory. Mary provides him with food, shelter, and emotional support, treating him like a surrogate son. She embodies selflessness, as she continues to care for him even when he cannot pay rent, urging him not to worry.

The narrator initially views Mary as a motherly figure, referring to her as his "anchor" and appreciating her generosity. However, after joining the Brotherhood, he begins to see her as a reminder of his past struggles. He ultimately leaves her without saying goodbye, showing his emotional detachment as he immerses himself in his new role. Despite this, Mary’s enduring strength and survival 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' highlight the courage and perseverance of black women in a harsh and corrupt society.

Mary symbolizes compassion, resilience, and the importance of community. Her character contrasts with the manipulative figures like Bledsoe and Norton, offering a glimpse of genuine kindness and support amid the exploitation and betrayal the narrator experiences.