Observation

Very few candidates attempted this question and some of them showed they understand the demands of the question.

Candidates were expected to mention the following points:

• Identification of the main conflict in the novel that Otranto ‘should pass from the present family, whenever the real owner should be grown too large to inhabit it’.
• Manfred’s attempt to prevent the fulfilment of the ancient prophecy.
• The arranged marriage between Conrad and Isabella, ending in Conrad’s death.
• Manfred’s attempt to forcefully marry Isabella and the intervention of divine providence.
• The appearance of Frederic despite the belief that he is dead
• The intended murder of Theodore which becomes the real fate of Matilda.

Candidates’ performance in the question was fair.