General Overview of Literature(Revision) - SS3 Literature Past Questions and Answers - page 1
What is the primary function of literature?
Entertainment
Cultural preservation
Education
Both b) and c)
Which figure of speech involves comparing two unlike things using "like" or "as"?
Metaphor
Simile
Hyperbole
Personification
What does literary appreciation involve?
Reading passively
Analyzing themes
Avoiding discussions
Ignoring context
Discuss the importance of literature in preserving cultural heritage and providing insights into society. Provide examples to support your arguments.
Literature plays a vital role in preserving cultural heritage by documenting traditions, values, and historical experiences. It also offers insights into society by reflecting the prevailing beliefs, social issues, and historical context of the time. For instance, classic works like Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" preserve Igbo culture and traditions, while George Orwell's "1984" critiques totalitarianism, reflecting the author's concerns about his society.
Choose a figure of speech (e.g., metaphor, personification) and explain its use in literature. Provide examples from a literary work you have read to illustrate how the chosen figure of speech enhances the text's meaning and impact.
Let's take metaphor as an example. A metaphor directly equates one thing with another to create a vivid image or convey a deeper meaning. In Shakespeare's "All the world's a stage," from his play "As You Like It," the world is metaphorically compared to a stage. This metaphor serves to emphasize that life is like a theatrical performance with distinct stages (infancy, childhood, etc.), highlighting the idea that people play different roles and undergo various experiences throughout their lives.