Question 7
HORACE WALPOLE: The Castle of Otranto
Comment on the attitudes of women to their roles in the novel.
Observation
A few candidates attempted this question. Most of the candidates seemed to have substituted attitude with character, hence, causing them to answer amiss.
Candidates were expected to mention the following points:
- The novel’s concern with the issue of power.
- The treatment of women.
- The women’s submission/reaction to tradition.
- The women’s empathic relationship with one another.
- Manfred’s oppressive roles.
Candidates’ performance in the question was fair.