Literature-In-English Paper 2 WASSCE (PC 2ND), 2020

    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.