Literature-In-English Paper 3 WASSCE (PC 2ND), 2020

Question 11

 

    Examine the rural setting of Birches.


Observation

 

 

A good number of candidates attempted this question but could not grasp the demands of the question.

 

Candidates were expected to discuss the following points:

 

  • The theme of resilience in human endeavours as exemplified by the birches.
  • Explanation/ Definition of setting: rural/ pastoral/countryside.
  • Birches are so resilient that even when weighed down by ice, they are found ‘trailing their leaves on the ground.
  • Their resilience attracts the poet, especially in times of crises.
  • Their ability to swing up and down inspires the poet to feel that he too can do away with his problems through a form of escapism, but not for long.

 

Candidates’ performance was fair.