Literature-In-English Paper 2 WASSCE (PC 2ND), 2021

Question 1

 

BUCHI EMECHETA: Second Class Citizen

How is western education presented in the novel?


Observation

 

 

This question demands that candidates present a portrayal of western education as presented in the novel. Most responses were mere narration of the plot of the story.

 

Candidates were expected to mention the following points among others:

 

  • The theme of patriarchy, racial discrimination and western education, all of which impose hurdles on women and black people’s quest for social mobility.
  • A description of western education and it being synonymous with school.
  • Western education considered as the African male child’s preserve; however, Adah is sent to school by her mother after the Police station incident.
  • Positive aspects of western education as portrayed in Lawyer Nweze’s special welcome.
  • Adah’s social status is enhanced by her western education: she works as a librarian at the American embassy, she is able to finance her husband’s trip to further his education in the United Kingdom, her bride price increases.
  • Negative aspects of western education as seen in the possibility of abandoning one’s native culture.

 

Most answers touched on the above points and the candidates performed well.