Question 7
Question 7
HORACE WALPOLE: The Castle of Ostranto
Comment on the inter-marriages in the novel
Observation
Few candidates attempted this question. Many of them merely narrated the inter-marriages.
Candidates were expected to mention the following points:
- The theme of lust and power.
- Identification of the intended intermarriages (between Manfred and Isabella; Marquis Frederick and Matilda) and the aborted marriage between Matilda and Theodore.
- Reasons for the inter-marriages: Manfred is looking for a male heir and his ambition to cling to power so as to defeat the ancient prophesy; Frederick wanted Matilda to accede the throne without violence; Theodore loves Matilda and hopes to fulfil his destiny as a Prince.
- The characters’ attitudes to the inter-marriages and their significance.
Candidates’ performance in the question was fair.