Adeoti's "Ambush" ends on a note of___________

Analyze the question The question asks about the mood on which Gbemisola Adeoti's poem "Ambush" ends. This is a tone and theme question, so we look at how the poem closes.

Explain the concept In poetry, the ending often leaves the reader with a final feeling, such as hope, despair, defiance or doubt. "Ambush" portrays a society and individuals constantly threatened by hidden dangers, such as insecurity, betrayal and hardship. The "ambush" is something lurking and unpredictable.

Work through the options

• A. Despair: This would mean the poem gives up completely. The poem shows danger and fear, but it does not settle into total hopelessness.
• B. Bright aspirations: Nothing in a poem about lurking threats points to a hopeful, optimistic close.
• C. Courage: The persona is not shown confronting the danger boldly.
• D. Uncertainty: The threat remains unresolved at the end. The persona does not know when or where the next danger will strike, or whether safety will come. This fits the poem's theme of constant, unseen threat.

Answer: D. uncertainty

I can't quote the closing lines from memory with full confidence. Reread the last stanza in your text to confirm it for yourself.

Exam tip: For "the poem ends on a note of..." questions, ask whether the problem raised in the poem is actually solved. If the threat is still hanging at the end, the answer is usually uncertainty or warning, not hope or courage.