WAEC Literature in English 2019 Theory — Question 16

Model answer

Points to develop: Statement of the central theme; The use of allusion; The use of soliloquy; Use of symbolism; Use of irony; Foreshadowing; Use of contrast and conflict; The relevance of each dramatic element to the development of the plot. (Note: well developed points on any three of the given dramatic elements (2,3,4,5,6,7 in addition to points 1 and 8) earn good mark.) The play Harvest of Corruption by Frank Ogodo condemns the pervasive corruption and its negative consequences on society and individual. The play presents the sorry case of Aloho, a jobless and desperate graduate who becomes prey in the hands of Chief Ade Amaka, a depraved and roguish Minister of External Relations. Aloho, in her desperation to get a job goes to Jabu where she meets her old friend, Ochuole who was notorious for her untoward acts in the university days. Aloho secures a bogus job of a protocol officer with Chief Ade Amaka through her friend Ochuole and from there she is trapped in cocaine pushing, an event which leads to her tragic end in the play. At the end of the play all the characters that are complicit in corruption are sentenced to imprisonment. One of the dramatic elements in the play is allusion. There are instances of biblical allusion in the play. Aloho's response to Ogeyi's advice to go back to her parents in the village is an example of this. She says: 'I feel like a prodigal daughter.' Aloho's appreciation of Ogeyi's friendship and offer of advice also shows this: 'Blessed are those who comfort ... for they shall be comforted.' Another example of biblical allusion is the Judge's verdict on Chief Ade-Amaka and his accomplices: 'The holy book of God tells us that the wages of sin is death'. There is a use of historical allusion in the play. An example is Chief's reference to Biafra war in a joke with Madam Hoha in respect of her demand for a commission for her service. There is use of soliloquy in the play: ACP Yakubu's soliloquies which reveal his integrity and willpower to stand against corruption: 'How can all these be happening without any one having the willpower and the moral courage to say No!' Another use of soliloquy is ACP Yaubu's displeasure at the extent to which the society is engulfed in depravity: 'What a world we are in...a real craze for money that needs psychiatric therapy...' Another dramatic element used in the play is symbolism. Madam Hoha's Akpara Hotel is den of corrupt people and vice. For example, Madam Hoha confides in Ochuole: 'We will dangle this babe before Chief for a price.' The Wazobia Hospital is also a symbol of corruption in the health sector where a doctor extorts money to perform abortions. Justice Odili also symbolises the corrupt judiciary. The madman is a symbol of a state of disorder and lawlessness, in fact, ACP Yakubu thinks the madman 'symbolises a country that is riddled with madness and lawlessness.' Each dramatic element deployed in the play is relevant. They highlight the pervasiveness of corruption; they typify as well as characterize those involved in the corrupt practices in the play.