Observation

A good number of candidates attempted this question.  However, many of them wrote on the character sketch of Major Petkoff and could not show the dramatic importance on the return of his old coat.

The required answers should include:

• Raina gives Major Petkoff’s old coat to Bluntschli to disguise himself on the night he takes refuge to her room, so that he will be able to escape unnoticed.
• It triggers a series of chain reactions that gradually lead to the climax of the play. A lot of surprising revelations are made upon the return of the old coat.
• The return of the coat reveals Catherine as a cunning liar. She becomes restless when Bluntschli returns the coat and does not want him to come in.
• Major Petkoff recognizes Bluntschli and welcomes him warmly. Bluntchli then offers to assist him in resolving the problem of the returning soldiers.
• The return of the coat reinforces Raina’s secret love for Bluntschli and cements their mutual attraction.