A significant literary device employed by Morris in 'The Proud King' is that of________

Analyze the question: "The Proud King" is a play by William Morris, used on the JAMB Literature in English syllabus. The question asks which literary device is significant in the play.

Explain the concepts:

• Suspense: keeping the audience uncertain about what will happen next.
• Nemesis: downfall or retribution that comes to a person, usually because of pride (hubris) or wrongdoing.
• Agon: the conflict or contest between the protagonist and antagonist in a Greek-style play.
• Interlude: a short piece or break between the main parts of a play.

Solution:

1. The play is about a king who is arrogant and believes his power is beyond question. He mistreats people and ignores moral warnings.
2. His pride (hubris) leads to his humiliation. He is stripped of his power and status, and an angel takes his place, which forces him to learn humility.
3. This pattern of pride followed by punishment and downfall is exactly what nemesis means. The theme of retribution for arrogance runs through the whole story.
4. Suspense, agon and interlude may appear in some form, but none of them is the defining device of the story. Nemesis best captures its structure and moral lesson.

I'm working from memory of the story here, not a text in front of me.

Answer: B. Nemesis

Tip: When a question about a literary work mentions a proud or arrogant ruler, think hubris followed by nemesis. Pride comes before a fall, and that pattern is often tested in JAMB literature questions.