Literature in English SS3 Second Term


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Literature in English SS3 Second Term

Complete Lesson Notes • WAEC Aligned • 2026

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Scheme of Work – Second Term

  1. Week 1: Revision of Antony and Cleopatra (William Shakespeare)
  2. Week 2: Review of Shakespearean Techniques
  3. Week 3: Revision of African Prose – So the Path Does Not Die & Redemption Road
  4. Week 4: Revision of Non-African Prose – To Kill a Mockingbird & Path of Lucas
  5. Week 5: Revision of African Drama – The Marriage of Anansewa & Once Upon an Elephant
  6. Week 6: Revision of Non-African Drama – A Man for All Seasons & An Inspector Calls
  7. Week 7: Revision of African and Non-African Poetry (10 selected poems)
  8. Week 8: Mid-Term Break
  9. Weeks 9-14: General Revision

Week 1 • lessonplan.com.ng

Topic: Revision of Antony and Cleopatra (William Shakespeare)

Class: SS3

Subject: Literature in English

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  • Summarize the plot and the central conflict between Rome and Egypt
  • Identify the major and minor characters and their roles in the play
  • Discuss the primary themes and how they relate to the tragic end of the protagonists
  • Analyze the literary devices that define Shakespeare’s style in this play

Learning Resources

Audio-visual resources, Textbook, charts, posters.

Content

Background and Plot Summary

Antony and Cleopatra is a historical tragedy by William Shakespeare. It tells the story of Mark Antony, one of the three rulers of the Roman Empire, whose love for Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, leads to his political and physical destruction. The play follows their intense romance, the resulting war with Octavius Caesar, and the eventual suicide of both lovers when they realize their cause is lost.

The Great Contrast: Rome vs. Egypt

The play is built on the physical and moral differences between two civilizations. Students must understand these contrasts to answer essay questions effectively.

Feature Rome Egypt
Philosophy Reason, Logic, and Law Passion, Emotion, and Pleasure
Gender Focus Masculine (War and Politics) Feminine (Beauty and Sensuality)
Leader Octavius Caesar (Cold/Calculated) Cleopatra (Vibrant/Unpredictable)
Imagery Swords, armor, and cold stone The Nile river, feasts, and gold

Major Character Analysis

Mark Antony

He is a “Tragic Hero.” He is a great soldier who loses his “Roman-ness” because of his passion. His tragic flaw is his inability to choose between his duty to Rome and his love for Cleopatra.

Cleopatra

She is the Queen of Egypt. She is described as having “infinite variety”, She is manipulative, dramatic, and deeply regal. Also she is both a lover and a politician who uses her beauty to maintain her power.

Octavius Caesar

The antagonist and future Emperor of Rome. He is the opposite of Antony. He is disciplined, never drinks to excess, and values the state above personal feelings.

Enobarbus

Antony’s devoted friend. He provides the audience with a realistic view of the characters. His decision to leave Antony and his subsequent death from a broken heart highlight Antony’s fading greatness.

Themes

1. Duty vs. Pleasure

The central struggle of the play. Antony feels the “Roman fetters” (duties) pulling him home, while Cleopatra’s “charms” keep him in Egypt.

2. Betrayal and Loyalty

The play is full of shifting loyalties. Antony betrays Rome; Cleopatra appears to betray Antony during the sea battle; Enobarbus betrays Antony; and various soldiers switch sides as Caesar grows stronger.

3. Power and Ambition

In the world of high politics, there is no room for personal happiness. Octavius Caesar’s ambition to be the sole ruler of the world requires the destruction of Antony.

Stylistic Features (Literary Devices)

Hyperbole: The characters speak in grand, exaggerated terms. For example, Cleopatra says Antony’s “legs bestrid the ocean.”

Juxtaposition: Shakespeare places a “Roman scene” right after an “Egyptian scene” to show the sharp contrast in their lifestyles.

Imagery: Frequent use of “melting” or “dissolving” imagery to show how Antony’s Roman authority is disappearing.

Evaluation

  1. Contrast the characters of Octavius Caesar and Mark Antony.
  2. Discuss the significance of the “Battle of Actium” to the plot of the play.
  3. Why is Cleopatra often referred to as a “serpent”?

Assignment

Section A – Context Question:

“I have lived in such dishonour, that the gods / Detest my baseness.”

  1. Who is the speaker?
  2. What event has just occurred to make the speaker feel “dishonoured”?
  3. What action does the speaker take immediately after this statement?

Section B – Essay Question: With reference to the play, discuss the role of Enobarbus as a commentator on the actions of the major characters.

Source: lessonplan.com.ng

Week 2 • lessonplan.com.ng

Topic: Review of Shakespearean Text

Class: SS3

Subject: Literature in English

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the techniques of Characterization used by Shakespeare
  • Outline the Plot Development from the rising action to the catastrophe
  • Identify the Major Conflicts (Internal and External)
  • Relate the Moral Lessons of the play to contemporary 21st-century society

Content

Characterization Techniques

Shakespeare does not just tell us who the characters are; he shows us through specific techniques:

Dialogue and Diction: Cleopatra’s speech is poetic and grand, showing her royal status, while Caesar’s speech is brief and business-like, showing his pragmatism.

Foiling: Shakespeare uses Octavius Caesar as a “foil” to Antony. By placing the disciplined Caesar next to the emotional Antony, Antony’s lack of self-control becomes more obvious to the audience.

The Chorus Figure: Enobarbus acts as a bridge between the play and the audience. His honest descriptions help us see the characters’ flaws clearly.

Actions: Antony’s decision to follow Cleopatra’s retreating ships during the Battle of Actium characterizes him as a man ruled by his heart rather than his military mind.

Plot Development – Five-Act Structure

Exposition: We see Antony in Egypt, neglecting his duties, and the tension rising in Rome.

Rising Action: The death of Antony’s wife (Fulvia), his temporary reconciliation with Caesar through marriage to Octavia, and his eventual return to Cleopatra.

Climax: The Battle of Actium, where Antony’s military power is permanently broken because he chooses to follow Cleopatra instead of staying to fight.

Falling Action: The betrayal by Enobarbus and the false report of Cleopatra’s death.

Catastrophe: The noble suicides of Antony and then Cleopatra, leaving Octavius Caesar as the sole ruler of the world.

Major Conflicts

Internal Conflict (Antony vs. Himself): This is the “struggle within.” Antony is a Roman general but has an Egyptian heart. He experiences deep guilt for betraying his country but lacks the will to leave Cleopatra.

External Conflict (Antony vs. Octavius Caesar): This is a political and military struggle for the control of the known world. It represents the clash between the “Old World” of heroic individual warriors (Antony) and the “New World” of cold, organized bureaucracy (Caesar).

External Conflict (Antony vs. Cleopatra): Though they are lovers, they often clash. Cleopatra tests Antony’s love through manipulation, and Antony often blames her for his military failures.

Moral Lessons Related to Modern Society

1. The Danger of Neglecting Responsibility: In modern society, leaders in politics or business who prioritize personal pleasure over their professional duties often face a “downfall” similar to Antony’s. Modern Link: Public officials losing their positions due to scandals or lack of focus.

2. The Complexity of Toxic Relationships: The relationship between Antony and Cleopatra is passionate but destructive. It teaches that love without mutual respect or shared goals can lead to ruin. Modern Link: The importance of emotional intelligence and healthy boundaries in relationships.

3. The Price of Ambition: Octavius Caesar wins the world but loses his humanity; he is cold and has no real friends. The play asks us if power is worth the price of loneliness. Modern Link: The “hustle culture” where people sacrifice family and mental health for career success.

4. Loyalty and Integrity: Through Enobarbus, we see that betraying one’s principles or friends leads to a “death of the soul” or deep regret. Modern Link: The value of integrity in a world where people often change sides for personal gain.

Evaluation

  1. Define “Characterization” and give one example of how Shakespeare characterizes Octavius Caesar.
  2. Identify the “Turning Point” (Climax) of the play and explain why it is significant.
  3. Discuss one moral lesson from the play that is relevant to Nigerian youths today.

Assignment

Question 1: Discuss the role of minor characters like the Soothsayer or the Clown in the development of the plot.

Question 2: In an essay of not less than 300 words, argue for or against the motion: “Antony was a victim of Cleopatra’s manipulation rather than his own weakness.”

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Week 3 • lessonplan.com.ng

Topic: Revision of African Prose

Class: SS3

Subject: Literature in English

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the central plots and settings of So the Path Does Not Die and Redemption Road
  • Analyze major themes such as Identity, Trauma, and Tradition vs. Modernity
  • Discuss the narrative techniques (Flashbacks, Bildungsroman, Suspense)
  • Relate the texts to the socio-political histories of Sierra Leone and Liberia

Content

Text 1: So the Path Does Not Die by Pede Hollist

The novel follows Finaba (Fina) Marah, a young Fulani girl from rural Sierra Leone. After a traumatic and interrupted circumcision ritual (FGM) that leads to her sister’s death and her family’s exile, Fina moves to Freetown and eventually to the USA. The story is a quest for “belonging” as she navigates life in the Diaspora before returning to a war-torn Sierra Leone to find her true purpose.

Major Themes:

  • Tradition vs. Modernity: The conflict over Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and its role in defining “womanhood.”
  • Identity and Diaspora: Fina’s struggle to fit in both in Sierra Leone (as a minority Fulani) and in America (as an African immigrant).
  • The Path of Heritage: The title refers to keeping cultural stories and truths alive without being destroyed by their harmful aspects.

Narrative Techniques:

  • Bildungsroman: A “coming-of-age” story that tracks Fina’s growth from childhood to adulthood.
  • Circular Structure: The story begins and ends in Africa, showing Fina’s full circle of self-discovery.
  • Dialogue: Use of Krio and local dialects to add authenticity to the Sierra Leonean setting.

Text 2: Redemption Road by Elma Shaw

Set in post-war Liberia, the novel follows Bendu Lewis, a survivor of the civil war who runs an NGO called Peace In Practice (PIP). Bendu helps other women recover from war trauma while hiding a “war secret” of her own. When she spots the warlord who held her captive (Commander Cobra) in Monrovia, she embarks on a journey to seek justice and find the daughter she was forced to abandon.

Major Themes:

  • Redemption and Forgiveness: The struggle to forgive oneself and others after surviving unspeakable atrocities.
  • The Aftermath of War: The psychological and physical scars left on Liberia and its people.
  • Justice vs. Revenge: Bendu’s internal struggle on how to handle her former captor.

Narrative Techniques:

  • In Media Res: The novel starts “in the middle” of the action and uses Flashbacks to explain past war events.
  • Suspense: The mystery of Bendu’s secret and the location of her lost daughter keeps the reader engaged.
  • Symbolism: The “Redemption Road” itself represents the difficult journey from pain to peace.

Social, Political, and Cultural Contexts

Feature So the Path Does Not Die Redemption Road
Primary Setting Sierra Leone & USA Monrovia, Liberia
Political Context Sierra Leone Civil War & Diaspora life Post-Civil War Liberia (Charles Taylor era)
Social Issue Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) War crimes and gender-based violence
Cultural Focus Tribal identity (Fulani) and tradition Americo-Liberian vs. Indigenous identity

Evaluation

  1. How does the interrupted initiation ceremony affect Fina’s sense of belonging in So the Path Does Not Die?
  2. What role does the NGO “Peace In Practice” (PIP) play in the development of Bendu’s character?
  3. Compare the “war experiences” of Fina and Bendu. How did the conflicts in their respective countries shape their adulthood?

Assignment

Question 1: Discuss the significance of the title So the Path Does Not Die. What is the “path” being referred to?

Question 2: Analyze the character of Commander Cobra in Redemption Road as a representation of the horrors of the Liberian Civil War.

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Week 4 • lessonplan.com.ng

Topic: Revision of Non-African Prose

Class: SS3

Subject: Literature in English

Learning Objectives

  • Summarize the plots of To Kill a Mockingbird and Path of Lucas
  • Identify the primary characters and their roles in the narrative development
  • Analyze the themes of Justice, Love, and Endurance
  • Extract moral lessons that reflect global human values

Content

Text 1: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Set in the 1930s in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama (USA), the story is told through the eyes of Scout Finch. Her father, Atticus Finch, is a principled lawyer who defends Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Parallel to this is the children’s fascination with their mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley. The novel follows the children’s journey from innocence to an understanding of the harsh reality of racial prejudice.

Major Characters:

  • Atticus Finch: A symbol of moral integrity and justice. He teaches his children to “walk in someone else’s shoes.”
  • Scout Finch: The narrator. Her growth represents the loss of innocence.
  • Tom Robinson: The “Mockingbird” — an innocent man destroyed by the “poison” of racism.
  • Boo Radley: A recluse who represents the hidden goodness in humanity.

Theme – Justice: The novel explores the failure of the legal system when it is blinded by prejudice. Despite Atticus proving Tom’s innocence, the jury convicts him because of his race. True justice, however, is found in Atticus’s refusal to abandon his morals.

Theme – Love (Compassion): Love is shown as “empathy.” Atticus loves his neighbors and his enemies enough to treat them with dignity, and Boo Radley shows his love by protecting the children.

Text 2: Path of Lucas by Susanne Bellefeuille

This is a contemporary story based on the life of Lucas, a man born into a humble farming family. The narrative follows his life from childhood to old age as he faces incredible hardships, including the loss of loved ones, financial struggles, and physical health challenges. It is a story of a simple man’s extraordinary ability to keep moving forward despite the “path” being filled with thorns.

Major Characters:

  • Lucas: The protagonist. He is defined by his work ethic, his love for his family, and his quiet strength.
  • Rose: Lucas’s wife, who serves as his emotional anchor and the source of much of the “Love” theme in the book.

Theme – Endurance: Unlike the political endurance in To Kill a Mockingbird, Lucas’s endurance is personal. He survives through the “long haul” of life. His journey shows that endurance is not a single act of bravery, but the daily choice to not give up.

Theme – Love: Love in this text is portrayed as Devotion. Lucas’s life is a testament to the love of family and the land. It is a selfless, enduring love that survives even after death.

Comparing Themes of Justice, Love, and Endurance

Theme To Kill a Mockingbird Path of Lucas
Justice Social and Racial — Fighting for what is right in a court of law Moral and Divine — Living a life of honesty and being “just” to one’s family
Love Empathy for the “other” and the marginalized Lifelong devotion and the bond of family
Endurance Enduring the hatred and bigotry of a small town Enduring personal loss, grief, and the physical toll of a hard life

Moral Lessons

1. The Mockingbird Principle: It is a sin to hurt those who do no harm to others. We must protect the innocent.

2. The Value of Empathy: You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.

3. Resilience in Quiet Places: You don’t have to be a soldier or a politician to be a hero; Lucas shows that surviving life’s daily trials with a good heart is a form of heroism.

4. Integrity: Doing the right thing even when you know you will lose (Atticus taking the Tom Robinson case).

Evaluation

  1. Why is the title To Kill a Mockingbird significant to the theme of justice?
  2. In what ways does Lucas show endurance in Path of Lucas?
  3. Compare the roles of Atticus Finch and Lucas as fathers. How do they teach their children through their actions?

Assignment

Question 1: Discuss the character of Boo Radley as a symbol of the theme of “innocence” in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Question 2: Analyze how Susanne Bellefeuille uses the “path” as a metaphor for Lucas’s life journey. What are the major “obstacles” he had to endure?

Source: lessonplan.com.ng

Week 5 • lessonplan.com.ng

Topic: Revision of African Drama

Class: SS3

Subject: Literature in English

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the central plots and conflicts in The Marriage of Anansewa and Once Upon an Elephant
  • Analyze the Dramatic Techniques used (e.g., Storytelling, Myth, Satire)
  • Discuss the Themes of Greed, Power, and Materialism
  • Evaluate the Societal Values (Traditional vs. Modern) reflected in both plays

Content

Text 1: The Marriage of Anansewa by Efua Sutherland

This play is a comedy based on the Ghanaian “Ananse” (spider) folk traditions. Ananse, a clever but poor man, decides to solve his financial problems by “selling” his daughter, Anansewa, to four different wealthy chiefs simultaneously. He collects “head-money” (dowry) from all of them. The climax occurs when all four chiefs decide to visit at once, forcing Ananse to stage a “fake death” for Anansewa to determine which chief truly loves her.

Dramatic Techniques:

  • Anansegoro: A fusion of traditional storytelling and modern drama.
  • Musical Interludes: Use of songs (Mbeoguo) to comment on the action or bridge scenes.
  • The Storyteller: Acts as a narrator who interacts with both the actors and the audience.
  • The Trickster Motif: Ananse represents the cunning individual who uses wit to survive.

Themes:

  • Greed and Materialism: Ananse’s desire for wealth at the expense of his daughter’s happiness.
  • Love vs. Money: The contrast between the chiefs who only want a “trophy wife” and those who show genuine concern.
  • Parental Responsibility: The moral question of whether a father should treat his child as a commodity.

Text 2: Once Upon an Elephant by Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan

Set in the kingdom of Ogunloba, this play is a modern political allegory. It focuses on the struggle for power and the corruption that follows. The “Elephant” symbolizes the heavy, destructive weight of bad leadership. The play explores how the ambition of a few individuals can lead to the suffering of an entire community, blending myth with contemporary social issues.

Dramatic Techniques:

  • Allegory: Using a story about an “Elephant” and a kingdom to represent real-life political corruption.
  • Oral Tradition/Myth: Use of proverbs, incantations, and traditional rituals to ground the play in Yoruba culture.
  • Satire: Ridiculing the greed and stupidity of those in power to provoke thought in the audience.

Themes:

  • Leadership and Corruption: The abuse of power by the ruling class and the neglect of the common people.
  • Divine Retribution: The idea that nature or the gods eventually punish those who disrupt the social order.
  • Ambition: The “Elephantine” ego of characters who want power at any cost.

Moral Lessons

1. The Danger of Excess: Ananse’s greed nearly ruins his family; the ambition in Ogunloba ruins a kingdom.

2. Integrity over Intelligence: Being “clever” (like Ananse) is not a substitute for being honest.

3. The Voice of the People: In Once Upon an Elephant, we see that leadership must be for the benefit of the governed, or it will collapse.

Evaluation

  1. Define Anansegoro and explain how it is used in Efua Sutherland’s play.
  2. In Once Upon an Elephant, what does the “Elephant” symbolize in the context of modern African politics?
  3. Compare the character of Ananse with any major character in Once Upon an Elephant. How do they both use manipulation?

Assignment

Question 1: Discuss the role of Anansewa in the play. Is she a victim or a willing participant in her father’s scheme?

Question 2: Analyze the use of Proverbs in Once Upon an Elephant. How do they contribute to the play’s cultural setting?

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Week 6 • lessonplan.com.ng

Topic: Revision of Non-African Drama

Class: SS3

Subject: Literature in English

Learning Objectives

  • Summarize the plots of A Man for All Seasons and An Inspector Calls
  • Analyze the conflict between Personal Integrity and Political Authority
  • Discuss the concept of Social Responsibility versus Individualism
  • Identify the major and minor characters and their dramatic functions

Content

Text 1: A Man for All Seasons by Robert Bolt

Set in 16th-century England, the play depicts the true story of Sir Thomas More, the Lord Chancellor who refuses to sign a document supporting King Henry VIII’s divorce and his move to become Head of the Church of England. Despite immense pressure, bribery, and the threat of death, More remains silent to protect his conscience, eventually leading to his execution.

Major Themes:

  • Integrity and Conscience: More believes his soul is defined by his oath. To “bend” his principles is to lose his identity.
  • Law vs. Morality: More trusts the law to protect him but discovers that corrupt men can twist the law.
  • Corruption and Hypocrisy: Represented by Thomas Cromwell and Richard Rich, who sacrifice their morals for political promotion.

Character List:

  • Sir Thomas More (Major): The protagonist; a man of immense wit, legal skill, and unshakable faith.
  • The Common Man (Major): Plays various lower-class roles; represents the “ordinary person” who survives by being selfish.
  • Thomas Cromwell (Major): The “architect” of More’s downfall; represents cold, political pragmatism.
  • Richard Rich (Minor but Vital): A young man who eventually betrays More for a high-ranking job.
  • King Henry VIII (Minor): The source of the conflict; seeks moral approval for his selfish desires.

Text 2: An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley

The play takes place in 1912 at the home of the wealthy Birling family during a dinner party. Their celebrations are interrupted by Inspector Goole, who informs them that a young working-class woman, Eva Smith, has committed suicide. As the night progresses, the Inspector reveals that every person in the room played a part in her ruin, proving that “we are members of one body.”

Major Themes:

  • Social Responsibility: The Inspector argues that we must look after one another regardless of class.
  • Hypocrisy: The Birlings pretend to be “respectable” citizens while treating the poor with cruelty and neglect.
  • Gender and Class: The play highlights how vulnerable poor women were in a society controlled by wealthy men.
  • Time: If the characters don’t learn from their mistakes, they are doomed to repeat them in “fire and blood and anguish.”

Character List:

  • Inspector Goole (Major): A mysterious figure who represents the voice of conscience and justice.
  • Arthur Birling (Major): The patriarch; believes “a man has to mind his own business.”
  • Sheila Birling (Major): The daughter; the only character who shows true remorse and changes her perspective.
  • Eric Birling (Minor/Major): The son; represents the “lost” younger generation struggling with guilt.
  • Eva Smith (Absent): Never appears on stage but represents all working-class victims of social injustice.

Comparative Table: Justice and Integrity

Feature A Man for All Seasons An Inspector Calls
Source of Justice The Divine/Inner Conscience Social Justice/Humanity
Type of Integrity Private (Staying true to one’s soul) Public (Admitting one’s faults)
The “Enemy” State Power/Ambition Capitalist Greed/Class Pride
The Outcome The hero dies, but saves his soul The family survives, but their secrets are exposed

Evaluation

  1. How does the character of The Common Man help the audience understand the themes of A Man for All Seasons?
  2. What is the significance of the Inspector’s final speech in An Inspector Calls?
  3. Compare the character of Richard Rich with Mr. Arthur Birling. How do both characters prioritize material gain over morality?

Assignment

Question 1: Discuss the role of the Law in A Man for All Seasons. Does it protect the innocent or serve the powerful?

Question 2: “Eva Smith is more than a person; she is a symbol.” Discuss this statement with reference to the theme of social responsibility in An Inspector Calls.

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Week 7 • lessonplan.com.ng

Topic: Revision of African and Non-African Poetry

Class: SS3

Subject: Literature in English

Learning Objectives

  • Summarize the core message of the selected poems in the 2026-2030 syllabus
  • Distinguish between the Tone (the poet’s attitude) and the Mood (the atmosphere)
  • Connect the Imagery used to the central themes of the poems
  • Identify and explain the effect of poetic devices like Personification, Metaphor, and Alliteration

Content

Review of Selected African Poetry

African poetry often focuses on themes of identity, colonial history, nature, and social justice.

Poem & Poet Central Theme Key Imagery Tone/Mood
“Leader and the Led” (Niyi Osundare) Leadership and followership; the search for a balanced ruler Animal kingdom (Lion, Hyena, Giraffe) Satirical / Hopeful
“The Grieved Lands” (Agostinho Neto) Resistance against colonialism and the resilience of Africa “Tearful hands,” “ancient voices,” “iron and fire” Defiant / Melancholy
“A Government Driver on His Retirement” (Onuora Ossie Enekwe) The irony of freedom; the dangers of sudden celebration “Boisterous horn,” “brand new car,” “wheels of silver” Ironic / Tragic
“The Song of the Women of my Land” (Oumar Farouk Sesay) The loss of oral tradition and cultural heritage “Fading tunes,” “sculpted lyrics,” “shifting sands” Nostalgic / Mournful

Review of Selected Non-African Poetry

Non-African poetry in the syllabus often explores universal human experiences, the passage of time, and the power of nature.

Poem & Poet Central Theme Key Imagery Tone/Mood
“The Good-Morrow” (John Donne) The transition from physical attraction to spiritual, all-consuming love “Maps,” “hemispheres,” “seven sleepers’ den” Passionate / Worshipful
“Caged Bird” (Maya Angelou) The contrast between freedom and oppression (racial or personal) “Stalks his bars,” “clips his wings,” “distant hill” Oppressed / Resilient
“The Journey of the Magi” (T.S. Eliot) The spiritual pain of conversion and the death of an old way of life “Sharp peaks,” “three trees,” “old white horse” Weary / Philosophical
“Bat” (D.H. Lawrence) Man’s instinctive reaction to the “uncanny” or “repulsive” in nature “Black piper,” “sewing machine,” “hanging upside down” Disgusted / Observational

Analyzing Poetic Devices and Imagery

1. Imagery and Central Ideas: Imagery is the “picture” the poet paints in our minds. In “Caged Bird,” the image of “clipped wings” represents the systemic laws that prevent a person from succeeding. In “The Grieved Lands,” the imagery of “iron and fire” represents the harshness of the slave trade and colonial wars.

2. Personification: Used extensively in “Leader and the Led” where animals are given human political ambitions. This helps the reader see human behavior from a distance, making the satire more effective.

3. Alliteration and Sibilance: In “The Good-Morrow,” the soft “s” sounds create a quiet, intimate atmosphere, reflecting the private world of the two lovers.

Moral and Social Lessons in the Poems

  • “Leader and the Led”: A good leader must be a servant first, and a follower must be discerning.
  • “A Government Driver on His Retirement”: Celebration should be handled with moderation; one must not let “freedom” lead to self-destruction.
  • “Caged Bird”: The human spirit cannot be fully silenced; even when bound, the “bird” will still sing for freedom.

Evaluation

  1. Compare the use of Animal Imagery in Niyi Osundare’s “Leader and the Led” and D.H. Lawrence’s “Bat.”
  2. What is the Tone of “The Song of the Women of my Land”? Support your answer with a line from the poem.
  3. Explain the significance of the “Seven Sleepers’ Den” in John Donne’s “The Good-Morrow.”

Assignment

Question 1: With close reference to “The Grieved Lands,” discuss how Agostinho Neto portrays the suffering and the hope of the African continent.

Question 2: Analyze the theme of Innocence vs. Experience in “Caged Bird.”

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Week 8 • lessonplan.com.ng

Topic: Mid-Term Break

Class: SS3  |  Subject: Literature in English

No formal lesson this week. Students should use the break to review all texts covered in Weeks 1-7, practice past WAEC questions, and prepare for the general revision weeks ahead.

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Weeks 9-14 • lessonplan.com.ng

Topic: General Revision

Class: SS3  |  Subject: Literature in English

Content

These weeks are dedicated to intensive general revision in preparation for the WAEC examination. The teacher should revisit all texts, focus on common WAEC question patterns, and conduct timed practice essays.

Topics to Revise:

  • Antony and Cleopatra – Plot, Characters, Themes, Literary Devices
  • So the Path Does Not Die – Plot, Themes, Narrative Techniques
  • Redemption Road – Plot, Themes, Narrative Techniques
  • To Kill a Mockingbird – Plot, Characters, Themes
  • Path of Lucas – Plot, Themes, Moral Lessons
  • The Marriage of Anansewa – Plot, Dramatic Techniques, Themes
  • Once Upon an Elephant – Plot, Allegory, Themes
  • A Man for All Seasons – Plot, Characters, Themes
  • An Inspector Calls – Plot, Characters, Social Responsibility
  • All 8 selected poems – Central themes, imagery, tone, poetic devices

Examination Note

The WAEC examination will test students on their ability to analyze texts, write structured essays of not less than 300 words, answer context questions accurately, and compare themes across texts. All topics covered in this term are examinable.

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