JAMB 2023 Literature in English · Question 40

A trilogy is the

Options

  1. A.set of three one-act drama written by related authors
  2. B.series of related stories divided into three equal parts
  3. C.sequence of three plays written by the same author
  4. D.collection of three poems of equal length

Answer: C. sequence of three plays written by the same author

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: You're asked for the definition of a trilogy as a literary term.

Explain the concept: The prefix "tri-" means three, and "-logy" comes from the Greek logia, meaning a set or body of writing. So a trilogy is a group of three connected works. The works are usually by the same author and are linked by a common theme, set of characters, or storyline. A trilogy can be made up of novels, plays, or films. In drama, it means three plays that are related to each other.

Step-by-step solution (checking each option):

  • A. Set of three one-act dramas written by related authors: Wrong. A trilogy is not limited to one-act plays, and the authors do not have to be "related". It is normally one author.
  • B. Series of related stories divided into three equal parts: Wrong. The three parts need not be equal in length, and "stories divided into parts" describes a single work with three sections, not three separate works.
  • C. Sequence of three plays written by the same author: Correct. This matches the standard literary meaning in a drama context. An example is Aeschylus' Oresteia (Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, The Eumenides). Closer to home, Wole Soyinka and other African dramatists have also written connected play sequences.
  • D. Collection of three poems of equal length: Wrong. Equal length is not a requirement, and a trilogy is not defined as a poem collection.

Answer: The correct option is C.

Exam tip: Remember the prefixes: tri = 3, di = 2 (diptych), tetra = 4 (tetralogy). In JAMB Literature, when you see "trilogy", think "three connected works by one author". Also be wary of options with extra restrictions like "equal length" or "related authors", because they are often traps.

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