Correct Answer: A. promotion of simple, rural existence

Correct Answer: A. coldness

Correct Answer: B. two successive rhyming lines

Correct Answer: B. drinking is disastrous

Correct Answer: B. Dramatic irony

Correct Answer: B. personification

Explanation

The line 'The sun used to smile in my hut' is an example of 'Personification'. Personification is a figure of speech in which a thing, an idea or an animal is given human attributes. The non-human objects are portrayed in such a way that we feel they have the ability to act like human beings. In this case, the sun is given the human attribute of smiling. The other options do not fit the context of the question. 'Rhetorical Question' is a question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer. 'Zeugma' is a figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses. 'Apostrophe' is a figure of speech in which the speaker directly addresses an absent or imaginary person, or some abstraction.

Correct Answer: C. The effective employment of contrasts

Explanation

Aku's position in The Last Duty is pathetic. Reduced to penury by Oshevire's detention, she finds herself confronted with the proposals of Chief Toje, Oshevire's rival and accuser. Her tragedy in the novel is that in spite of her effort to preserve her dignity, she finds herself slipping down the abyss into sexual infidelity and disgrace.

Aku's situation is indeed a difficult one. Her deprived condition clearly illustrates the disastrous consequences of the war on individuals. It is this deprivation which makes her easy prey for Toje's unscrupulous exploitation. Right from the start she is aware of her disadvantaged condition and acknowledges it quite readily. Despite her expressed fears. she resigns herself to her fate. She admits that even though deprived of food and comfort, she has in fact realized what Toje is after. Whenever she goes on her tryst with him, she is full of guilt.

Paradoxically, it is her sexual, not economic, deprivation which leads to her loss of integrity. After Toje's impotent attempt to make love to her, she is sexually aroused and craves satisfaction. She thus turns her attention to Odibo whose vibrant sexuality she has only just become aware of. Aku's attempt to justify her behaviour carries with it a certain element of pathos. Tortured, tormented, driven almost to the limits of human endurance, she finds herself wishing that Toje could make love to her, repugnant though the thought is. The reality of sin would at least be better than the fantasy which Toje is dragging her through. This prepares the way for Odibo's subsequent love-making with her.

In Aku, we see the result of a war which unjustly deprives a family of its breadwinner, and a woman the right to love and enjoy sex with her husband. Her predicament also demonstrates the insecurity, both physical and emotional, consequent upon a civil' war. Her relationship with her husband cannot remain in the same state after the scandal. Oshevire is released from prison in time to face the disgrace after the fight between Toje and Odibo over his wife.

The tragic end of Oshevire's life results directly from his attempt to leave the scene of his disgrace occasioned by the infidelity of his wife. This serves to further deepen Aku's tragedy.

Correct Answer: D. everlasting beauty of art

Correct Answer: B. Desdemona