WAEC 2024 Literature in English · Question 45

A poem that is shaped in the image of the object it talks about is

Options

  1. A.concrete
  2. B.lyrical
  3. C.metaphysical
  4. D.romantic

Answer: A. concrete

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the type of poem whose visual shape copies the object it describes. The key phrase is "shaped in the image of the object."

Step 2: Explain the concept

  • Concrete poetry (also called shape or pattern poetry) arranges the words, lines, and spacing on the page to form the shape of the subject. A poem about a tree may look like a tree, and a poem about rain may have words falling down the page. George Herbert's "Easter Wings" is a classic example, because its lines are arranged like a pair of wings.
  • Lyrical poetry expresses personal feelings and emotions in a musical way, as in a song. It has nothing to do with visual shape.
  • Metaphysical poetry (John Donne, Andrew Marvell) is known for intellectual wit, far-fetched conceits, and philosophical themes such as love, death, and religion.
  • Romantic poetry (Wordsworth, Keats, Shelley) emphasizes nature, emotion, imagination, and individualism.

Step 3: Apply to the options Only concrete poetry is defined by its physical form on the page matching its subject. B, C, and D describe style, theme, or period, not visual shape.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. concrete.

Exam tip: Think "concrete = you can see it." If a question mentions shape, image, or appearance on the page, the answer is concrete poetry. Also remember "lyrical = like a song," "metaphysical = mind-bending ideas," and "romantic = nature and emotion."

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