________is used to describe the 'god of inspiration' in literature

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term used for the "god of inspiration" in literature. We need a word that refers to a divine source of creative inspiration for writers, poets, and artists.

Step 2: Explain the concept In Greek mythology, the Muses were nine goddesses, daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne (memory). Each presided over a branch of the arts and sciences, such as epic poetry, history, tragedy, and comedy. Ancient poets such as Homer and Hesiod began their works by calling on the Muse to inspire them. For example, the Iliad opens with "Sing, O Muse..."

Today, "muse" describes any source of inspiration for an artist or writer.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Muse: the source of inspiration for creative work. This fits.
• B. Premiere: the first public performance of a play or film. It has nothing to do with inspiration.
• C. Mood: the emotional atmosphere of a work. It is not a deity.
• D. Deus ex machina: Latin for "god from the machine". It is a plot device in which an unexpected, contrived event or character resolves a seemingly impossible situation. The word "god" appears in it, which makes it a tempting distractor, but it describes a plot-resolution technique, not inspiration.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is A. Muse.

Exam tip: Link "Muse" with "Music" and "Museum", since all three come from the same Greek root. If you see "inspiration" in a literature question, think Muse. Also remember that deus ex machina is about a plot twist that solves everything, which is a common JAMB literary-terms question.