Literature in Rumanyo (Prescribed Texts, Poetry, Oral Tradition)
Literature in Rumanyo tests your knowledge of prescribed texts, poetry and oral tradition, and your ability to analyse rather than retell.
What to prepare
- For each prescribed text: plot in five or six turning points, main and minor characters, relationships, setting, themes, narrative voice and structure.
- Poetry: identify imagery, metaphor, personification, repetition, refrain, rhythm and tone; then explain the effect, not just the label.
- Oral tradition: proverbs, folktales, praise poetry, songs and riddles. Know their context, performer, audience and function.
Worked example
Question: 'Discuss the function of the proverb spoken by the elder at the family meeting.' A weak answer translates the proverb and says it is wise. A strong answer: (1) identifies the proverb and the moment; (2) shows that the elder uses it to claim authority and warn the young men; (3) shows that it foreshadows the quarrel; (4) links it to the theme of respect. The reasoning moves from device to context to effect.
Traps
- Retelling the plot instead of answering the question.
- Naming a device without explaining its effect.
- No short quotation to support the point.
- Treating oral genres as written poems and ignoring performance.
- Imposing English literary terms that do not fit.