Observation

A good number of candidates attempted this question. However, they showed little understanding of the poem as words which connote the poet’s mood were ignored, but linked it with issues surrounding the Nigerian society.

Candidates were expected to discuss the following points:

* “The land’ depicting the homeland, where the people are under siege from their own (‘the land’).

* The poet’s mood of despondency emanating from:

* The deprivation of the people and their livelihood

* The absence of peace and happiness among the people.

* The dire circumstances of the people and their obvious need to run from it (escape).

Candidates’ performance was poor.