The candidates were demanded to discuss the use of foreshadowing and soliloquy. Many of the candidates were able to explain the narrative techniques but some were unable to relate their usage to the significance.

A correct answer should contain:

• A discussion on the theme of the internal struggle for power and external aggression by the colonial government.
• An explanation of foreshadow and soliloquy.

• Instances of use of soliloquy in the play: after the death of her husband, Yoko speaks alone on stage promising that she “is ready for pain and pleasure, for honour and distress, for loyalty and treachery, for peace …”. This speech also portends Yoko’s fate at the end of the play. On being entrusted with power for a few days by his sister, Yoko, Lamboi soliloquises “… I have started working towards the throne now… of power … and there is no turning back. First, it was Gbanya, now Jeneba … next, maybe Yoko herself”. This speech reveals Lamboi’s diabolical design on usurping the chiefdom.
• Instances of use of foreshadow in the play: Lamboi says of Jeneba, “Girls of her type stand to die in the hands of the enemies of Senehun”. This foreshadows her abduction and gruesome death later in the play. Gbanya’s dream corroborates Yoko’s fears that “a great ill will befall this household today”, foreshadows the Governor’s flogging of Gbanya and his tragic death.
• Significance of the use of foreshadow and soliloquy: soliloquy highlights the characters’ behaviour and intentions unbeknown to others and therefore comes to them as a surprise. Foreshadow creates an atmosphere of uncertainty about the future actions of the characters.

The candidates’ performance was fair.