WAEC English Language 2022 Theory — Question 5

Model answer

UNEASY LIES THE HEAD THAT WEARS THE CROWN Ajewole was a palm wine tapper in a village called Ojaa. Every time he passed at the front of the palace, he always wondered what the king - King Adeoye - was doing with his three wives and nine children. He would think of the fat and delicious food the king had in his kitchen. Whenever other villagers discussed and pitied the king, Ajewole would not be moved but claimed that the king was the happiest and most extravagant person he had ever known and that the king did not have any problem at all but to eat, have a meeting with his chiefs and sleep while the chiefs go around doing as the king commanded them. One day, the king and his servants disguised and went round the village to see how his people lived and their thoughts towards him. When he got to the village square, he met some men playing 'ayo' game. Then, he sat with them and told them that his name was Adeoye. He said he was from the neighbouring village. He further told them that he would love to know about their way of life that he is considering relocating to Ojaa village. Ajewole was the first to speak, he told the 'stranger' that he bore the same name as the king of Ojaa kingdom. He said further that he would love to become a king and enjoy has their king, King Adeoye. He told him of all his perception of the king. Then, King Adeoye revealed his identity. The men trembled and was afraid that they may be punished. But the king assured them that would not be punished. But the king said to Ajewole, 'you shall be king for one day'. Ajewole did not believe his ears, he thought the king was joking. The next morning, the king sent for him. King Adeoye told him to sit on the throne. Ajewole's joy knew no bond. He thought he would be the happiest man on Earth. King Adeoye went away. He saw himself as the happiest man on Earth. Has Ajewole felt relaxed on the throne, wishing he had more days to be the king, he heard a loud bang just above his head. It was a sharp sword hanging with a thin thread. He could no longer sit properly and he couldn't stand. He started sweating profusely begging the servants near him to remove the sword from above his head. No one answered him. He sent one of the servants to call King Adeoye. 'You cannot leave the throne until the day is ended; you have gotten what you wanted' was the reply the servant brought from King Adeoye. Ajewole remained on the throne, trembling. He thought he was the most unhappy person in the world. When it was dinner time, Ajewole was offered the best dishes in the palace but had no appetite for food. All he wanted was to go back home and enjoy his free life. He wished he could be one of the servants as he saw them moving freely with smile on their faces. He vowed never to see the king as the most carefree person. Later in the evening, King Adeoye came back into the palace. He saw how terrified and miserable Ajewole looked. He took pity on him and ordered the servants to take the sword away. He then warned him not to think that the king was the happiest person on Earth. Ajewole fell on his face and seek his forgiveness. He thanked King Adeoye and promised not to say ill of the king ever again. King Adeoye forgave him and let him go. The king taught Ajewole a useful lesson. He learnt that 'uneasy lies the Head that wears the crown'.