208/1
LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
PAPER 1
2 ½ hours
2016
Uganda Certificate of Education
UCE
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Answer five questions in all, on five books, choosing two from
section A and three from section B, one of which must be from the
poetry book.
In section A, you must answer one question from sub – section (I)
and one from sub – section (II)
You must cover one play and one novel
SECTION A
Sub – section I
For passages 1 – 4, you are expected to choose One of your choices and
answer the questions following it as precise as possible.
Either
1. BETRAYAL IN THE CITY:Francis Imbuga
MULILI: All small murderers get arrest.
JERE: They took him away and asked us to come and guard the
grave.
NINA: It was all my fault. I sent him to them. I assured him that
they would not harm him. I wish I knew what rally he said
he wanted to address.
MULILI: You see. I says these too be murderers.
DOGA: IfJusper killed Chagaga, then he is not mad. We lack a name
for his illness. But days have changed. Kaleka‟s son, I have
nothing else to offer you; (handing him a pocket Bible) take
this. May God open your eyes to the suffering of your people.
Nina, tears are for the young, our own wells are dry. Come,
let us go away. (Doga and Nina leave)
JERE: (after long silence) You disgust me. I know you are Boss‟
cousin but still you disgust me. How could you possibly
speak like that to those two poor creatures?
MULILI: You want me to sing to them, eeh? Chicken heart,that is
what you be. Sometimes I ask myself why you possession
that thing between your legs.
JERE: It took a stranger for the truth to come to the surface. A
stranger to the clan, like you. That man is still in prison even
now. Mulili, if you still have even the smallest part of your
original human heart, let us allow these people to carry on
with the ceremony.
MULILI: What!
JERE: Boss will not know it. No one need to know.
MULILI: My future depend on this. If I keep law and order, a big
farmer I become when I retired. Boss promise me that and
you know… I be his eye and his ear here. I say no ceremony
JERE: The ceremony is on.
MULILI: Me count out. I doesn‟t want to lost that farm. Boss promise
many acre of farm and grade cattles. I doesn‟t want to lost it
because for primitive ceremony.
JERE: I looked in that old woman‟s eyes and I saw the futility of
calling ourselves citizens of Kafira. We must allow them even
if it‟s against the law….. I am sure there will be no trouble.
After all, you and I will be on stand- by.
Questions
a) What leads to the extract? (5 marks)
b) Explain the themes that are brought out in this extract. (4 marks)
c) Describe the characters of Mulili and Jere as portrayed in this passage.
(6 marks)
d) What happens immediately after this passage? (5 marks)
Or
2. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE. William Shakespeare
PORTIA: you see me, Lord Bassanio, where I stand,
Such as I am. Though for myself alone
I would not be ambitious in my wish
To wish myself much better, yet for you
I would be trebled twenty times myself,
A thousand times more fair, ten thousand times
More rich –
That only to stand high in your account,
I might in virtues, beauties, livings, friends,
Exceed account. But the full sum of me
Is sum of nothing – which, to term in gross,
Is an unlessoned girl, unschooled, unpracticed,
Happy in this, she is not yet so old
But she may learn; Happier than this
She is not so bred dull but she can learn;
Happiest of all is that her gentle spirit
Commits itself to yours to be directed,
As from her lord, her governor, her king.
Myself, and what is mine, to you and yours
Is now converted. But now I was the lord
Of this fair mansion, master of my servants,
Queen o‟er myself; and even now, but now,
This house, these servants, and this same myself
Are yours, my lord‟s. I give them with this ring,
Which when you part from, lose, or give away,
Let it presage the ruin of your love
And be my vantage to exclaim on you.
BASSANIO: Madam, you have bereft me of all words.
Only my blood speaks to you in my veins,
And there is such confusion in my powers
As, after some oration fairly spoke
By a beloved prince, there doth appear
Among the buzzing pleased multitude,
Where every something being blent together
Turns to a wild of nothing, save of joy
Expressed and not expressed. But when this ring
Parts from this finger, then parts life from hence.
O then be bold to say Bassanio‟s dead!
NERISSA:My lord and lady, it is now our time
They have stood by and seen our wishes prosper,
To cry‟ good joy‟. Good joy, my lord and lady.
GRATIANO: My lord and Bassanio, and my gentle lady,
I wish you all the joy that you can wish –
For I am sure you can wish none from me –
And when your honours mean to solemnize
The bargain of your faith I do beseech you
Even at that time I may be married too.
BASSANIO: With all my heart, so thou canst get a wife.
GRATIANO: I thank you lordship, you have got me one.
My eyes, my lord, can look as swift as yours:
You saw the mistress, I beheld the maid.
You loved, I loved – for intermission
No more pertains to me, my lord, than you.
Your fortune stood upon the casket there,
And so did mine too, as the matter falls;
For wooing here until I sweat again,
And swearing till my very roof was dry
With oaths of love, at last (if promise last)
I got a promise of this fair one here
To have her love, provide that your fortune
Achieved her mistress.
PORTIA: Is this true, Nerissa?
NERISSA: Madam, it is, so you stand pleased withal.
BASSANIO: And do you, Gratiano, mean good faith?
GRATIANO: Yes, faith, my lord.
BASSANIO: Our feast shall be much honoured in your
marriage.
GRATIANO: (To NERISSA) We‟ll play with them the first boy
for a thousand ducats.
NERISSA:What, and stake down?
GRATIANO: No, we shall ne‟er win at that sport, and
stake down.
But who comes here? Lorenzo and his infidel!
What, and my old Venetian friend Salerio!
Questions:
a. What happens immediately before this scene? (6 marks)
b. Describe the characters of:
i. Portia
ii. Bassanio (4 marks)
c. Explain one major theme brought out in this extract. (4 marks)
d. What happens shortly after this scene? (6 marks)
Either
3. THE ALIEN WOMAN:LauryOcen
„But I think he told us the truth. The moment he saw the woman, his whole
body shook with convulsions. She is just joking. How can she stay here? If
Obina is to stay with her, then he is as good as dead. These women are never
satisfied with one man. It is in their tradition. A girl starts going with men at
the age of nine. And what with the present AIDS plague.‟
„Leave alone that,‟ Olugo retorted, „who will head our clan? Isn‟t it always
said that these women only love girls? Some of them are even known to
strangle baby boys, or keep them in the worst form of neglect so that they may
turn into thieves.‟
„But why is it that they love only girls?‟ Awino asked her husband with
curiosity.
„Money making and greed! Money is turning everybody crazy. A girl will
bring money given to her by her men to her mother. Besides, these people are
actually silly. They go on to argue that feeding boys is burdensome, that they
eat too much. Can you imagine such foolishness?‟
„And this one almost crawling as if she thinks that can appease us. I
would rather have a daughter – in – law whom I can confide in and express my
authority over.‟
„Respect is in their tradition. But even that is only a first – hand reaction.
If you want to see chameleon‟s true colour you provoke it. We shall not provoke
her deliberately. It is not in our tradition. But conditions here will. Whatever
the case is, my son will not marry from anywhere, any tribe apart from his
native people. As long as I am still alive, my son will not do that. I have
travelled much, and I can say I know a lot about many people of this country.
Look at the Acholi, they are greedy and jealous and selfish. Baganda are known
for their love of intrigue and luxury. Besides they are prostitutes. The Madi are
hostile monsters. Who can manage their women? There is safety only with our
people that is far I know. Now I will collect the leading men and address this
matter to them. Go back and remain calm. „During all this time, Margaret was
talking only with Opito. She was perturbed by what she thought was a
deliberate indifference.
Questions:
a. What is happening at this point in the story? (5 marks)
b. Describe the reaction of the people towards this strange visitor in the
passage. (6 marks)
c. Explain the major theme that is brought out in this extract. (4 marks)
d. What happens immediately after this scene? (5 marks)
Or
4. CARCASE FOR HOUNDS:MejaMwangi
Haraka‟s spirit sank in disappointment and rage his heart beat fast and his
bared teeth emitted a low snarl. The vehicle would not stop him. Nothing
would.
Questions were shouted by the guards. The driver hailed back. The sentries
unlocked the gate and started to open it. General Haraka got on to one knee,
the Patchett at the ready. The vehicle started forward through the gate.
He leaped forward and ran. The few men next to him came along with him. The
rest, all over the bush, waited for the signal. He vaulted a shrub, landed on the
gravelroad and rushed the gate. Nobody saw him come. The vehicle was
through the gate and the sentries were pushing the back the doors. He gave us
the signal then, at ten yards away.
The two policemen screamed and died at their posts.
Haraka went after the car. As it pulled up twenty yards further on, he short a
burst into it, shattering the glass and killing the three men inside.
Shooting started all over.
Feet splattered on the gravel drive as the general‟s men dashed through
the gates after him. Some headed for the dark village behind the office block.
Haraka banged another magazine into the Patchett and sprang for the
guardroom. He crashed into the office block. Haraka banged another magazine
into the Patchett and sprang for the guardroom. He crashed into the office.
Knocking one side of the glass door off its hinges.
The desk clerk sat glued to his seat, the radio wireless glowing red and
bleeping to one side of him. As the tall, brutish terrorist stood over him, the
man got up, shaking like a leaf in the mountain storms. He staggered back
when the general approached him.
„The guns?‟ General Haraka asked.
The constable, who now looked like throwing up, moaned.
He came closer, slowly, menacingly. „The guns, where are they?‟ him with the
Patchett. He pointed into an inner office, too scared to speak. Haraka pushed
the man into the office. A door on the further wall was locked tight. Through
the glass paneling he saw the steel doors of the armoury on the opposite wall.
He turned to the frightened policeman.
„The keys, „he demanded, waving the gun.
The man shook his head and loudly wet his pants.
Questions:
a) At what point are we in the story? (6 marks)
b) Describe the character of Haraka in this passage. (4 marks)
c) What theme(s) are brought out in this extract (4 marks)
d) What happens shortly after this extract? (6 marks)
SECTION II
If your question is a play in section I now you must attempt a novel and
vice versa
BETRAYAL IN THE CITY: Francis Imbuga
Either
5. “When the madness of an entire nation disturbs a solitary mind it is not
enough to say that a man is mad”. Relate the statement to what happens
in the society of Kafira. (20 marks)
Or
6. What would the audience miss without the character of Mulili in the play
Betrayal in the city? (20 marks)
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE: William Shakespeare
Either
7. Describe the characters of Nerissa and Portia as portrayed in the play
The Merchants of Venice. (20 marks)
Or
8. Discuss the theme of love as portrayed in the play The Merchant ofVenice.
(20 marks)
THE ALIEN WOMAN: Laury Ocen
Either
9. How valid is a title Alien Woman to our understanding of the text?
OR
10. What lessons do you draw from the text The Alien Woman?
(20 marks)
CARCASE FOR HOUNDS: Meja Mwangi
Either
11. Which role does Haraka play in the novel Carcase for Hounds?
(20 marks)
OR
12. Explain the problems faced by the society in Carcase for Hounds.
(20 marks)
SECTION B
Attempt three questions in this section including one question in poetry
THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR: Nikolai Gogol
Either
13. Why is there need for a government inspector in The Government
Inspector? (20 marks)
Or
14. What are the events that make The Government Inspector to be an
amusing play? (20 marks)
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE: Okoiti Omtatah
Either
15. How relevant to society is the play Voice of the People? (20 marks)
Or
16. “Nasirumbi is a character to be hated”. Do you agree? Why? (20 marks)
A COWRIE OF HOPE: Binwell Sinyangwe
Either
17. “There is a ray of hope in A Cowrie of Hope”. Do you agree? Explain your
answer. (20 marks)
Or
18. Explain the view that the Chiswebes deserve what they get in light of
what happens in the novel. (20 marks)
THE CURSE OF THE SACRED COW: Karoro Okurut
Either
19. Discuss any two major themes portrayed in The Curse of the Sacred
Cow. (20 marks)
Or
20. Explain the lessons that you learn from the play The Curse of the Sacred
Cow. (20 marks)
MEMA: Daniel Mengara
Either
21. Compare and contrast the character of Mema and Pepa as portrayed in
Mema. (20 marks)
Or
22. How does traditionalism affect the society of Mema?
(20 marks)
ONCE UPON A TIME
Once upon a time, son,
they used to laugh with their hearts
and laugh with their eyes;
but now they only laugh with their teeth,
While their ice-block-cold eyes
search behind my shadow.
There was a time indeed
they used to shake hands with their hearts;
but that‟s gone, son,
Now they shake hands without hearts
While their left hands search
my empty pockets.
„Feel at home,‟ „Come again,‟
they say, and when I come
again and feel
at home, once, twice,
there will be no twice,
for then I find doors shut on me.
So I have learned many things, son.
I have learned to wear many faces
like dresses – homeface,
Office face, streetface, cocktailface,
with all their comforting smiles
like a fixed portrait smile.
And I have learned too
To laugh with only my teeth
And shake hands without my heart.
I have also learned to say „Goodbye‟
when I mean „Goodriddance‟;
to say „Glad to meet you‟;
without being glad; and to say „it‟s been
nice talking to you‟ after being bored.
But believe me, son
I want to be what I used to be
when I was like you. I want
to unlearn all these muting things.
Most of all, I want to relearn
how to laugh, for my laugh in the mirror
shows only my teeth like a snake‟s bare fangs!
So show me, son
how to laugh; show me how
I used to laugh and smile
Once upon a time when I was like you.
(Gabriel Okara) Nigeria
Questions
a) What is the poem about? (6 marks)
b) Who is “they” in the poem? (2 marks)
c) Which four lessons do you draw from the poem? (4 marks)
d) Give the meaning of the following words and phrases as used in the
poem;
i) Search behind my shadow (2 marks)
ii) Doors shut on me (2 marks)
iii) A fixed portrait smile (2 marks)
iv) Muting things (2 marks)
Or
23. Select a poem that you have studied in the course from the theme of
village life.
a) Who is the poet and what is the title of the poem? (4 marks)
b) What does the poem chosen say about village life? (5 marks)
c) Comment on the character of the speaker in the poem. (3 marks)
d) Explain any lessons that you draw from this poem (4 marks)
e) What feelings are aroused in you by the poem? (4 marks)
AN ANTHOLOGY OF EAST AFRICAN POETRY.Edited by A.D Amateshe
Either
24. I MET A THIEF
On the beach, on the coast,
Under the idle, whispering coconut towers,
Before the growling. Foaming, waves,
I met a thief who guessed I had
An innocent heart for her to steal.
She took my hand and led me under
The intimate Cashew boughs which shaded
The downy grass and peeping weeds.
She jumped and plucked the nuts for me to suck;
She sang and laughed and pressed close.
I gazed; her hair was like the wool of a mountain sheep,
Her eyes, a pair of brown – black beans floating in milk.
Juicy and round as plantain shoots
Her legs, arms and neck;
And like wine – gourds her pillowy breasts;
Her throat uttered fresh banana juice:
Matching her face – smooth and banana – ripe.
I touched – but long before I even tested,
My heart had flowed from me into her breast;
And then she went – high and South –
And left my carcase roasting in the fire she‟d lit
(Austin Bukenya)
Questions
a) Identify the speaker in this poem (2 marks)
b) What kind of thief is this? (4marks)
c) i) What are the feelings of the speaker towards the thief? (4 marks)
ii) Towards you? (2marks)
d) Explain the lessons that you learn from this poem. (4marks)
e) Explain the meanings of the following phrases as used in the poem
i. An innocent heart for her to steal
ii. Juicy and round as plantain shoots
iii. Her throat uttered fresh banana juice
iv. And left my carcase roasting in the fire she‟d lit
Or
25. Choose a poem from the Anthology of E. African Poetry, on the theme
„weather.
a) Who wrote it and what is the title of the poem? (4 marks)
b) What does say about weather? (4 marks)
c) Explain the feelings aroused in you from the poem (4 marks)
d) What makes the poem appealing to you? (5 marks)
e) How relevant in this poem to you? (3 marks)
