The second stanza of Awonoor's Anvil and the Hammer ________

Analyzing the question: The question asks what the second stanza of Kofi Awoonor's The Anvil and the Hammer does. The options differ mainly in function: describing a conflict, describing disregard for tradition, offering a solution, or calling for radical change.

Concept: In the poem, the anvil and hammer are images of the clash between African tradition and Western influence. The poem is structured in two movements:

• Stanza 1 presents the problem: the conflict and pressure on African culture, which is "beaten" between the two forces.
• Stanza 2 moves from the problem to a way forward. The poet suggests Africans should not simply be crushed or reject everything, but should reconcile the two worlds and take what is good from both.

Step by step:

1. Option A (deals with the conflict) describes the poem's general theme and fits stanza 1 better. It does not capture what is distinctive about stanza 2.
2. Option B (disregard for tradition) is too narrow. It names only one side of the problem.
3. Option D (radical change in perception) goes further than the poem does. The poet's tone is reconciliatory, not revolutionary.
4. Option C (offers a solution to the conflict) matches stanza 2's role as the resolution of the tension set up in stanza 1.

I'm going from my recollection of the poem's structure here, so check it against your text of the poem.

Answer: C

Exam tip: For poems with two or more stanzas, ask what each stanza does. Stanza 1 often states the problem and the last stanza resolves it. Also match the option's verb ("deals with" versus "offers solution") to the stanza's function, not just its topic.