Observation

Many candidates attempted this question. Some of the candidates thought the Three Pigeons to be people. So, they could not meet the demands of the question.

Candidates were expected to discuss the following points:

• Relation to the themes of deception and reconciliation.
• Scene identification: the Three Pigeons is an ale house frequented by Tony and his friends; Young Marlow and Hastings first met Tony there.
• Arrival of Young Marlow and Hastings at the Three Pigeons, tired and lost.
• Tony (mis)directs them to Mr Hardcastle’s house, describing the place as an inn.
• This misdirection sets the stage for the mistakes that the visitors make regarding their host and his household.
• The misdirection is a vengeful opportunity for Tony.
• The Three Pigeons provides the source of the major conflicts in the play; it also symbolises class distinction which plays a part in the play.

Candidates’ performance in this question was fair.