WAEC Literature in English 2016 Theory — Question 9

Model answer

Aloho is a victim of circumstance in the play Harvest of Corruption. Aloho graduated from the University of Asuka where she had Second Class (Upper) in Mass Communication. Aloho's graduation is greeted by the massive unemployment that threatens the survival of the youths in the country, the Republic of Jacassa. To combat unemployment, Aloho travels to Jabu to stay with a friend, Ogeyi who works as a receptionist at ABC Company. Aloho is desperate for a job and perhaps, her desperation is what makes her a victim of circumstance in the play. Aloho's meeting with Ochuole, her former school mate and fellow graduate from The University of Asuka creates in her the desperation to have a good job. Ochuole has paid dearly for her job as an Administrative Officer with her body. Aloho defies Ogeyi's warnings not to honour the fictitious offer of a Protocol Officer. She is being driven by desperation. The manner of her employment is questionable and the terms of employment are not clearly defined. Aloho takes the job for the first time she will be transporting an unknown substance which is suspected to be cocaine. Aloho becomes a prey in the hand of the predator — the corrupt Chief Haladu Ade Amaka. She is sexually exploited by the Chief and apart from that she becomes a cocaine pusher. Unfortunately, Aloho is arrested and arraigned in court for cocaine pushing. Although she is discharged from court, she is to live with the scar of unwanted pregnancy and peradventure, a child by the Chief. Indignant Aloho decides to abort the pregnancy even against the warnings from Ogeyi. Through the delay tactics by the doctor at WAZOBIA hospital, the pregnancy develops and abortion becomes impossible. Aloho dies during child birth in the village and thus she becomes a victim of circumstance (corruption and unemployment in the country). She reaps the harvest of her own corruption with death, through desperation, ignorance, stubbornness and naivety.