WAEC 2026 Literature Drama And Poetry Question And Answers

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Tuesday, 16th June 2026
Literature-In-English 3 (Drama & Poetry) 2:00pm – 4:30pm

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WAEC 2026 Literature Drama And Poetry Question And Answers

 

 

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1)
Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan’s Once Upon an Elephant explores themes of greed, betrayal, abuse of trust and the consequences of selfish ambition. One of the major incidents that drives the plot is Serubawon’s betrayal of Iya Agba, a woman who trusted and cared for him. His actions reveal his ingratitude and moral weakness, while also contributing significantly to the conflict in the play.

To begin with, Serubawon betrays Iya Agba by abusing the trust she places in him. Iya Agba treats him with kindness and generosity despite her own challenges. Rather than appreciating her sacrifices, Serubawon becomes driven by personal gain. He chooses to place his interests above loyalty and gratitude. This act of disloyalty demonstrates his selfish nature and shows that he is willing to hurt those who care about him in order to satisfy his ambitions. Through this behaviour, the playwright presents betrayal as a serious moral failure that destroys relationships.

Furthermore, Serubawon’s betrayal is evident in his involvement in the plot against Iya Agba. Instead of protecting her from danger, he aligns himself with individuals whose intentions are harmful. His actions expose Iya Agba to suffering and disappointment. The trust she has invested in him is shattered when she discovers that he has turned against her. The emotional pain caused by this betrayal is significant because it comes from someone she considered dependable. The incident illustrates how betrayal from a trusted person can be more painful than hostility from an enemy.

In addition, Serubawon’s conduct reflects the corrupting influence of greed. He allows the desire for wealth, power and personal advancement to cloud his judgment. Rather than choosing the path of honesty and integrity, he embraces deception. His decisions reveal a lack of moral principles and a willingness to sacrifice human relationships for material benefits. The playwright uses Serubawon’s character to warn against excessive ambition and greed. His betrayal of Iya Agba serves as an example of how the pursuit of selfish interests can lead individuals to commit shameful acts.

More importantly, the betrayal has far-reaching consequences in the play. Iya Agba suffers emotional distress and disappointment because of Serubawon’s actions. The trust that once existed between them is permanently damaged. At the same time, Serubawon’s reputation is affected as his true character becomes known. Those around him begin to see him as dishonest and unreliable. The conflict generated by his betrayal also contributes to the development of the plot and helps to reveal important lessons about loyalty, responsibility and justice.

Equally significant is the fact that Serubawon eventually faces the consequences of his actions. The play shows that betrayal may provide temporary advantages, but it often leads to regret and punishment in the end. His actions do not bring lasting happiness or success. Instead, they expose him to criticism and condemnation. Through this outcome, the playwright reinforces the moral lesson that wrongdoing does not go unpunished and that individuals must be accountable for their choices.

Finally, Serubawon’s betrayal of Iya Agba is a central event in Once Upon an Elephant. By abusing her trust, participating in actions against her, and allowing greed to influence his decisions, he demonstrates a lack of loyalty and integrity. His betrayal causes pain, fuels conflict and ultimately leads to negative consequences for him. Through this episode, Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan emphasizes the importance of gratitude, faithfulness and moral responsibility in human relationships.
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*WAEC LITERATURE III*

*NUMBER 2 (VERSION I)*

(2)
Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan’s Once Upon an Elephant explores several social issues, one of which is rape and its devastating effects on individuals and society. Desola’s rape is a major incident in the play that influences the lives of many characters and drives the plot forward. The event exposes the abuse of power, the vulnerability of women, and the moral decay present in society. The consequences of Desola’s rape are far-reaching and affect her emotionally, socially, and psychologically.

To begin with, the rape causes severe emotional and psychological trauma for Desola. Before the incident, she is a young woman with hopes and aspirations. However, after the assault, she becomes deeply hurt and emotionally disturbed. The experience leaves her feeling violated, ashamed, and helpless. She struggles to cope with the painful memory of the attack, and her peace of mind is greatly affected. Through Desola’s suffering, the playwright highlights the lasting emotional scars that rape victims often carry for a long time.

Furthermore, the incident damages Desola’s social image and dignity. In many traditional societies, victims of rape often face stigma and unfair judgment despite being innocent. Desola becomes a subject of discussion and pity among members of the community. Rather than receiving complete sympathy, she has to endure the burden of public scrutiny. This loss of dignity further deepens her pain and makes it difficult for her to return to her normal life. The playwright uses this situation to criticize societal attitudes that tend to blame or stigmatize victims instead of supporting them.

Another significant consequence of the rape is the exposure of moral corruption and abuse of authority within society. The incident reveals how powerful individuals can exploit the weak for personal satisfaction. Through Desola’s ordeal, the audience sees the injustice that often accompanies such crimes, especially when influential people attempt to escape punishment. The event therefore serves as a condemnation of a society where power is sometimes used to oppress rather than protect vulnerable citizens. It also calls attention to the need for justice and accountability.

In addition, the rape creates tension and conflict among the characters. Family members, friends, and members of the community react differently to the incident, leading to disagreements and emotional confrontations. The event becomes a source of bitterness and anger, particularly among those who care about Desola. Relationships are strained as people seek answers and demand justice. This conflict helps to move the action of the play forward and emphasizes the disruptive effect of sexual violence on families and communities.

Equally important, Desola’s rape becomes a catalyst for the pursuit of justice. The incident provokes discussions about right and wrong and encourages some characters to challenge oppression and wrongdoing. As efforts are made to address the crime, the audience is reminded of the importance of standing against injustice. The event therefore contributes to the moral lesson of the play by encouraging society to protect victims and punish offenders appropriately.

Conclusively, Desola’s rape has serious consequences in Once Upon an Elephant. It causes emotional and psychological trauma, damages her dignity, exposes moral corruption, creates conflict within the community, and stimulates the quest for justice. Through this incident, Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan condemns sexual violence and draws attention to the suffering of victims. The playwright ultimately advocates a society where justice prevails and where women are protected from all forms of abuse.
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*WAEC 2026 LITERATURE*

(3)
In Efua Sutherland’s The Marriage of Anansewa, Ananse shows love for his daughter, Anansewa, but his love is mixed with selfishness and personal gain. Therefore, his love for her is limited.

Firstly, Ananse wants Anansewa to have a better life and escape poverty. He educates her and trains her to become a respectable young woman. This shows his concern for her future.

Secondly, he works hard to attract wealthy chiefs who can marry Anansewa. His intention is partly to secure comfort and prosperity for her.

However, Ananse also treats his daughter as a means of making money. He sends marriage letters to several chiefs at the same time and collects gifts from all of them. This action shows greed rather than genuine fatherly affection.

Furthermore, Ananse makes important decisions about Anansewa’s marriage without consulting her feelings. He is more interested in the benefits he will gain than in her personal choice.

Finally, the fake death plan arranged by Ananse places Anansewa under emotional stress. This reveals that he is willing to manipulate her situation to achieve his objectives.

In conclusion, Ananse loves Anansewa to some extent because he desires a better future for her, but his love is overshadowed by selfishness, greed, and his desire for material gain.

 

 

*WAEC 2026 LITERATURE*

(4)
In Efua Sutherland’s The Marriage of Anansewa, the storyteller plays an important role in the development of the play. He serves as a link between the audience and the events of the story.

Firstly, the storyteller introduces the play and provides background information about Ananse and Anansewa. This helps the audience understand the setting and the characters.

Secondly, he narrates events and guides the audience through the plot. His comments make the story easy to follow and understand.

Thirdly, the storyteller creates suspense, especially during the fake death of Anansewa. He keeps the audience interested and eager to know what will happen next.

Furthermore, he provides explanations and interpretations of events. Through his remarks, the audience gains a deeper understanding of the actions and motives of the characters.

Also, the storyteller helps to preserve the African oral tradition. His narration, songs, and interactions with the audience reflect the traditional storytelling style of African society.

Finally, he contributes to the entertainment value of the play through humour, dramatic narration, and audience participation.

In conclusion, the storyteller is a vital figure in The Marriage of Anansewa because he introduces the story, guides the audience, creates suspense, explains events, preserves oral tradition, and enhances the overall entertainment of the play.
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*WAEC 2026 LITERATURE*

(5)
In An Inspector Calls, Sheila Birling’s anger had a serious effect on Eva Smith. The play deals with social responsibility and shows how the actions of the wealthy can affect the lives of the poor.

Firstly, Sheila became jealous when she saw Eva looking attractive while serving in a dress shop. Out of anger and envy, she complained to the manager and demanded that Eva be dismissed.

Secondly, Eva lost her job at the dress shop because of Sheila’s complaint. This deprived her of a source of income and made her financial condition worse.

Thirdly, the dismissal increased Eva’s suffering and hardship. She was already struggling to survive, and losing her job pushed her further into poverty.

Fourthly, Sheila’s action contributed to the chain of events that eventually led to Eva’s tragic downfall. After losing her employment, Eva faced more difficulties and became vulnerable to exploitation.

Finally, Sheila later realized her mistake and felt deep guilt for what she had done. Through this, Priestley shows that people should accept responsibility for their actions and consider how their behaviour affects others.

 

*WAEC 2026 LITERATURE*

(6)
In An Inspector Calls, Inspector Goole’s inquiry reveals several shocking facts about Eric Birling. These revelations help to expose his role in Eva Smith’s tragic life and develop the theme of responsibility.

Firstly, the Inspector reveals that Eric had met Eva Smith and started a relationship with her. He admitted that he was drunk when he first approached her.

Secondly, Eric confessed that Eva became pregnant for him. This revelation shocked the Birling family and showed that Eric had behaved irresponsibly.

Thirdly, it was revealed that Eric stole money from his father’s business in order to support Eva. He took the money without permission and gave it to her to help with her living expenses.

Fourthly, the inquiry showed that although Eric wanted to help Eva, his actions created more problems. Eva refused to accept the stolen money when she discovered its source.

Finally, the Inspector’s investigation exposes Eric’s guilt and moral weakness. Unlike Mr. and Mrs. Birling, Eric accepts responsibility for his actions and expresses regret over the part he played in Eva Smith’s downfall. Through Eric’s character, Priestley emphasizes the need for personal and social responsibility.

 

*WAEC 2026 LITERATURE*

(7)
(i) The falcon symbolizes obedience to authority. A trained falcon follows the command of its master, just as many characters in the play submit to the wishes of King Henry VIII.

(ii) The falcon represents dependence on power. Characters like Thomas Cromwell and Richard Rich rely on the King’s favour for their success and advancement.

(iii) It symbolizes the loss of individual freedom. Like a falcon controlled by its keeper, some characters surrender their conscience and judgment to political authority.

(iv) The symbol contrasts with the character of Thomas More. Unlike others, More refuses to be controlled by the King and remains faithful to his conscience.

(v) The falcon also reinforces the theme of integrity. More believes that a man must remain true to his principles rather than blindly obey authority.

Conclusion
The falcon is effectively used as a symbol of obedience, dependence, and submission to authority. Through this symbol, Robert Bolt highlights Thomas More’s determination to uphold his conscience and moral convictions despite intense pressure from the King and his supporters.

 

*WAEC 2026 LITERATURE*

(8)
In A Man for All Seasons, Thomas More is used to portray the conflict between personal convictions and societal expectations. Throughout the play, he remains committed to his beliefs despite pressure from the King, his family, and society.

Firstly, Thomas More refuses to support King Henry VIII’s desire to divorce Queen Catherine and marry Anne Boleyn. His religious convictions prevent him from approving the King’s actions.

Secondly, society expects More, as Lord Chancellor, to support the King’s decisions and policies. However, he chooses to remain loyal to his conscience rather than satisfy public expectations.

Thirdly, More resigns from his position as Lord Chancellor when he realizes that remaining in office may force him to act against his beliefs. This action demonstrates his commitment to personal integrity.

Fourthly, his family and friends encourage him to compromise in order to protect his life and status. Despite their advice, More refuses to abandon his principles.

Fifthly, More rejects the Oath of Supremacy because he does not accept the King as the head of the Church. His refusal brings him into direct conflict with the government and the expectations of society.

Finally, Thomas More remains steadfast even when he is sentenced to death. He chooses to die rather than betray his conscience. Through his character, Robert Bolt emphasizes that personal convictions should be valued above societal pressure and political demands.

 

*WAEC 2026 LITERATURE*

(9)
In The Breast of the Sea, the poet makes effective use of allusion to deepen the meaning of the poem. Allusion is a reference to historical events, places, people or situations outside the poem.

Firstly, the poet alludes to the Atlantic Ocean, which was used during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. This reminds readers of the suffering, displacement and exploitation experienced by Africans who were taken across the sea as slaves.

Secondly, there is an allusion to the Middle Passage, the terrible journey through which enslaved Africans were transported to Europe and the Americas. This reference emphasizes the pain, death and inhuman treatment associated with slavery.

Thirdly, the poet alludes to the history of colonialism and imperialism in Africa and the Caribbean. The sea becomes a symbol of the route through which foreign powers came to dominate and exploit African people.

Finally, the allusions help to connect the present with the past. By recalling slavery, migration and colonial experiences, the poet shows that the sea carries memories of both suffering and survival.

Therefore, the use of allusion enriches the poem and helps to highlight the themes of slavery, oppression, historical memory and the African experience.

 

*WAEC 2026 LITERATURE*

(10)
In Hearty Garlands, the poet celebrates the beauty, richness and uniqueness of Africa. The poem expresses admiration for the continent’s natural endowments and cultural heritage.

Firstly, the poet celebrates Africa’s beautiful landscape, including its fertile land, rivers, forests and mountains. These natural features make the continent attractive and productive.

Secondly, the poet praises African culture and traditions. The customs, festivals, music and dances of the people are presented as valuable aspects of African life.

Thirdly, the poet celebrates the strength and resilience of Africans. Despite challenges such as slavery, colonialism and oppression, Africans have continued to preserve their identity and dignity.

Fourthly, the poet admires the unity and brotherhood that exist among African people. The poem encourages love, cooperation and peaceful coexistence.

Finally, the poet celebrates the hope and future greatness of Africa. The continent is portrayed as a land of promise with the potential for progress and development.

In conclusion, Hearty Garlands is a poem of praise that celebrates Africa’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, resilience, unity and bright future.

 

*WAEC 2026 LITERATURE*

(11)
In Digging, Seamus Heaney uses onomatopoeia to create sound effects that make the actions in the poem more realistic and vivid.

Firstly, the expression “a clean rasping sound” imitates the harsh noise made by the spade as it cuts through the gravelly ground. This helps the reader to hear the digging process.

Secondly, the word “squelch” suggests the soft, wet sound produced when the spade sinks into muddy soil. It creates a clear picture of farm work and the nature of the land being dug.

Thirdly, the word “slap” imitates the sound of soggy peat striking against the spade. This makes the action lively and realistic.

The use of these sound words helps to bring the scene to life, making the reader feel as if he is present on the farm. It also emphasizes the hard work of the poet’s father and grandfather and shows the poet’s admiration for their skill in digging. Through onomatopoeia, the poem becomes more vivid, musical and interesting.

 

*WAEC 2026 LITERATURE*

(12)
In She Walks in Beauty, Lord Byron presents the lady as possessing both physical and inner beauty.

Firstly, the lady has a beautiful appearance. The poet compares her to a clear and starry night, showing her elegance and attractiveness.

Secondly, there is a perfect balance between light and darkness in her beauty. Her dark hair and bright face combine harmoniously, making her appearance unique and pleasing.

Thirdly, her face is calm and serene. Her expressions reflect gentleness, peace and self-control, which add to her charm.

Fourthly, the lady possesses inner beauty. The poet suggests that she has a pure mind and an innocent heart. Her goodness and moral character shine through her outward appearance.

In conclusion, the lady’s beauty is seen in her physical attractiveness, the harmony of her features, her calm expression and her pure, virtuous character.