Wole Soyinka's 'Civilian and Soldier' Poem Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the basic theme of Wole Soyinka's 'Civilian and Soldier'?

Love and romance
War (correct)
Nature and environment
Politics and governance

What does the civilian narrator imagine about the soldier in the poem?

The soldier's love for poetry
The soldier's brutality and conflicting feelings (correct)
The soldier's interest in art and culture
The soldier's peaceful nature

According to the review, what does the author believe about poetry?

It is irrelevant in modern society
It can have different interpretations (correct)
It can be prolix and monotonous
It has a single fixed meaning

What is the main challenge faced by the reviewer in choosing a poem for review?

Choosing a particular poem from the abundance of African poems available (D)

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What is the civilian's declaration in the poem 'Civilian and Soldier'?

I am a civilian (C)

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What is the main focus of the review of 'Civilian and Soldier' by Wole Soyinka?

The theme of war and its portrayal in the poem (D)

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What does the review emphasize about poetry interpretation?

Poetry can mean different things at different times and from different angles (D)

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What does the civilian narrator imagine about the soldier in the poem 'Civilian and Soldier'?

The soldier's willingness to carry out the order of his superiors (D)

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What is the basic theme of Wole Soyinka's 'Civilian and Soldier'?

The brutality of soldiers towards civilians (D)

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What is the reviewer's opinion on the poetic image exemplified by Wole Soyinka?

It represents the diversity of African poetry (D)

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Flashcards

Basic theme of 'Civilian and Soldier'?

The central topic or subject explored in Wole Soyinka's 'Civilian and Soldier'.

Civilian's view of the Soldier?

The narrator thinks the soldier is brutal, with conflicted emotions following orders.

Belief about Poetry?

Poetry's meaning is subjective; can be interpreted differently by different people.

Reviewer's challenge?

Deciding which poem to review because there are many African poems available.

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Civilian's declaration?

The narrator states their non-military status: 'I am a civilian'.

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Review's focus?

The review examines conflict and how it is shown in the poem.

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Poetry Interpretation?

Its interpretation varies based on time, person and angle.

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Soldier's willingness?

The soldier is seen as someone who follows orders without question.

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Theme of 'Civilian and Soldier'?

Soldiers are cruel to civilians.

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Poetic Image?

Represents the varied, rich nature of African verse.

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Study Notes

Poem 'Civilian and Soldier' by Wole Soyinka

The basic theme of the poem is the contrast between the civilian and the soldier's perspectives.
The civilian narrator imagines the soldier as someone who is rigid, unyielding, and conditioned to obey orders.
The author, Wole Soyinka, believes that poetry should be a reflection of reality and not just a decorative art form.

Review of the Poem

The main challenge faced by the reviewer is selecting a poem that truly represents the poet's skill.
The reviewer emphasizes the importance of interpreting poetry in context, considering the poet's intention and the historical period.
The reviewer praises Wole Soyinka's poetic image as a powerful representation of reality.