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.