Observation

Many candidates attempted this question. A good number of them were able to explain suspense as a technique but could not explain how it is used to advance the plot of the play.

Suspense was used to advance the plot of the play in the following ways:

• Raina is in her bedroom basking in admiration of her fiancé when a male voice says “Don’t call out; or you’ll be shot”.
• The suspense is further heightened when he comes into view and is revealed as a soldier in Serbian uniform.
• The soldier’s entrance is nothing compared to what follows when the Bulgarian soldiers enter Raina’s room in search of the fugitive.

• Tension also builds up surrounding the fugitive’s escape from the Petkoff’s home.

• Another instance is when Bluntschli’s returns Major Petkoff’s coat and Catherine tries to hide “the secret” of the coat.

Candidates’ performance was poor.