Follow the instructions by answering five questions only.
Answer at least one question from Drama and one question from Poetry.
All questions carry equal marks.
Support your answers with relevant references from the prescribed texts.
SECTION A: DRAMA
The Marriage of Anansewa – Efua Sutherland
Question 1
Discuss Ananse as a symbol of cunning and manipulation in The Marriage of Anansewa.
Suggested Answer
Ananse is portrayed as a highly intelligent and cunning character. Throughout the play, he devises several schemes aimed at improving his social and economic status through his daughter, Anansewa.
One of his major acts of manipulation is sending identical marriage letters to four chiefs simultaneously. He carefully deceives each chief into believing that Anansewa is exclusively interested in marrying him. Through this scheme, Ananse receives gifts and wealth from all the chiefs.
Ananse also manipulates Anansewa herself. He controls her decisions and uses her beauty and education as tools for achieving his ambitions.
The playwright uses Ananse to highlight human greed, cleverness and the ability of individuals to exploit situations for personal gain. Despite his deceptive nature, Ananse remains humorous and entertaining, making him one of the most memorable characters in African drama.
Question 2
Examine the role of tradition and marriage customs in The Marriage of Anansewa.
Suggested Answer
Traditional marriage customs form the foundation of the play. The chiefs follow customary procedures by sending messengers, gifts and marriage proposals.
The play demonstrates the importance attached to marriage within traditional African societies. Marriage is portrayed not merely as a union between two individuals but as a social and communal institution involving families and entire communities.
Sutherland also presents a conflict between tradition and modernity. Anansewa is educated and exposed to modern ideas, yet traditional customs still influence decisions concerning her marriage.
The mock funeral organized by Ananse further reveals traditional beliefs concerning death, family honour and communal participation.
Through these customs, the playwright celebrates African cultural heritage while exposing some of its weaknesses and contradictions.
2026/2027 WAEC Literature-In-English 3(Drama & Poetry) Questions and Answers
Once Upon an Elephant – Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan
Question 3
Discuss the theme of leadership and responsibility in Once Upon an Elephant.
Suggested Answer
Leadership is one of the central themes of the play. The story explores how leaders exercise authority and the consequences of irresponsible leadership.
Many of the conflicts arise because some leaders fail to protect the interests of their followers. The play emphasizes that true leadership requires honesty, accountability and concern for the welfare of the people.
The elephant symbolizes power and authority. Through various events, the playwright demonstrates that leadership without wisdom often results in suffering and instability.
The play encourages leaders to act responsibly and prioritize collective interests above personal ambitions.
Question 4
Examine the use of symbolism in Once Upon an Elephant.
Suggested Answer
Symbolism plays a significant role in the play.
The elephant serves as the most important symbol. It represents authority, power, dominance and influence.
The forest symbolizes society, where different groups struggle for survival, influence and recognition.
The conflicts among the animals symbolize human political and social struggles.
Through symbolism, the playwright effectively communicates lessons about governance, justice and social responsibility.
Antony and Cleopatra – William Shakespeare
Question 5
Discuss the conflict between love and duty in Antony and Cleopatra.
Suggested Answer
The conflict between personal love and public responsibility dominates the play.
Mark Antony is deeply in love with Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. However, he is also one of Rome’s most important political leaders.
His affection for Cleopatra frequently distracts him from his political obligations. This weakens his influence in Rome and creates tension with Octavius Caesar.
As Antony becomes increasingly devoted to Cleopatra, his military and political power decline. His inability to balance love with duty ultimately contributes to his downfall.
Shakespeare uses Antony’s tragedy to demonstrate the dangers of allowing personal desires to overshadow public responsibilities.
Question 6
Evaluate Cleopatra as a tragic heroine.
Suggested Answer
Cleopatra possesses several qualities associated with tragic heroes and heroines.
She is powerful, intelligent, charismatic and influential. However, she is also emotional, proud and sometimes manipulative.
Her intense relationship with Antony contributes significantly to the tragic events of the play.
Despite her flaws, Cleopatra commands admiration because of her courage and determination. Rather than submit to Octavius Caesar, she chooses death.
Her tragic end evokes pity and admiration, making her one of Shakespeare’s most complex and memorable female characters.
SECTION B: POETRY
Once Upon a Time – Gabriel Okara
Question 7
Discuss the theme of hypocrisy in Once Upon a Time.
Suggested Answer
The poem criticizes the insincerity and hypocrisy of modern society.
The speaker recalls a time when people expressed genuine emotions. In contrast, modern interactions are characterized by pretence and artificial behaviour.
People now smile without sincerity and extend friendship only for personal gain.
The speaker regrets the loss of honesty and longs to recover the genuine human relationships of the past.
The poem highlights the negative effects of modernization on social values and human interactions.
Not My Business – Niyi Osundare
Question 8
Discuss the theme of oppression and silence in Not My Business.
Suggested Answer
The poem condemns political oppression and the dangers of remaining silent in the face of injustice.
The speaker initially ignores the arrest and persecution of others because he believes the issues do not concern him.
However, oppression gradually spreads until it eventually affects him personally.
The poem teaches that injustice against one person can eventually threaten everyone.
Osundare urges citizens to resist oppression and defend human rights whenever they are threatened.
2026/2027 WAEC Literature-In-English 3(Drama & Poetry) Questions and Answers
Digging – Seamus Heaney
Question 9
Examine the significance of the title Digging.
Suggested Answer
The title is symbolic and central to the poem’s meaning.
The speaker observes his father and grandfather digging the soil as farmers. Although he does not continue the farming tradition physically, he chooses a different form of digging.
His “digging” refers to writing and exploring memories through poetry.
The title therefore symbolizes hard work, creativity and respect for family heritage.
The poet suggests that intellectual labour can be just as valuable as physical labour.
Still I Rise – Maya Angelou
Question 10
Discuss the poet’s use of repetition in Still I Rise.
Suggested Answer
Repetition is one of the poem’s most powerful techniques.
The phrase “I rise” appears repeatedly throughout the poem.
This repetition emphasizes resilience, determination and self-confidence.
It reinforces the speaker’s refusal to be defeated by discrimination, oppression or adversity.
The repeated expression creates rhythm, strengthens the poem’s message and inspires readers to remain hopeful despite challenges.
The Telephone Call – Wole Soyinka
Question 11
Examine the theme of racial discrimination in The Telephone Call.
Suggested Answer
The poem explores racial prejudice through a conversation between a black man seeking accommodation and a white landlady.
The landlady’s primary concern is the caller’s skin colour rather than his character or ability to pay rent.
Her questions reveal deep racial bias and social discrimination.
The speaker responds with humour, irony and intelligence, exposing the absurdity of racism.
The poem condemns racial prejudice and promotes human equality.
The Stone – Tomislav Marijan Bilosnić
Question 12
Discuss the symbolism of the stone in the poem.
Suggested Answer
The stone functions as a major symbol throughout the poem.
It represents strength, endurance and permanence.
The stone also symbolizes human struggles, resilience and survival against adversity.
Despite harsh conditions and external pressures, the stone remains firm and unbroken.
The poet uses this symbol to encourage perseverance and emotional strength in the face of life’s challenges.
Examiner’s Likely Areas of Concentration for 2026/2027
Drama
Characterization of Ananse
Marriage customs in The Marriage of Anansewa
Leadership in Once Upon an Elephant
Symbolism in Once Upon an Elephant
Love versus duty in Antony and Cleopatra
Tragic elements in Antony and Cleopatra
Poetry
Hypocrisy in Once Upon a Time
Oppression in Not My Business
Family heritage in Digging
Resilience in Still I Rise
Racism in The Telephone Call
Symbolism in The Stone
These questions closely follow WAEC’s traditional essay pattern, where candidates are expected to discuss themes, characterization, dramatic techniques, poetic devices, symbolism, setting, and social relevance of the prescribed texts.
