WAEC Literature in English 2019 Theory — Question 5

Model answer

Points to develop: Description of Kufi village; The importance of the moonlit nights; The serenity of moonlit nights; The beauty of moonlit nights; The villagers' perception. Kufi village is typical of an African village with a population not tainted by modernization. It is surrounded by neighbouring villages such as Adeyipo, Ladunni, Kelebe, etc. A dog's bark or a cock's crow goes through the whole village. The village is driven by superstitious beliefs. The occupations are mainly farming, hunting, arts and craft and several other occupations typical of an African village. They practise old customs which include cap picking ceremony as typical of age-long practice in some traditional African communities. The absence of electricity in the village makes the moonlit night very significant to the people of Kufi. They even personify the moon: 'It peeps... reappears playfully among the woods.' Moonlit nights create a peaceful atmosphere that makes people engage in various lively activities. Examples are storytelling, and impartation and inculcation of moral and cultural values to the younger generation. The moonlit nights are beautiful. Villagers, especially children are mesmerized and enthralled. They see various images on the surface of the moon. The villagers also associate many myths with the moon. For instance, the shooting star that falls from the sky is symbolic of death.