WAEC Literature in English 2018 Theory — Question 8

Model answer

The relationship between Manfred and Hippolita is hinged on the theme of male dominance and the marginalization of women in the novel. Lady Hippolita is a devoted, submissive and long-suffering wife of Prince Manfred. She abides and does whatever her husband wants. Even when he wants to selfishly and wickedly divorce her, she accepts the proposal without complaints, declaring that the lot of women is to obey their husbands and fathers. Her submissiveness and devotion actually amount to docility. Prince Manfred, on the other hand, is the husband of Hippolita and the lord of Otranto. He inherits the lordship from Don Manuel, his father, who also inherited it from his father, Don Ricardo. As the Prince of Otranto, he is feared by his subjects, especially servants. The revelation at the end of the story, however, shows that he occupies the position as a usurper. It belongs to Theodore. The relationship between Manfred and Hippolita is that of husband and wife, and of cousins. From their marriage, they have their two children, Conrad and Matilda. At first, Hippolita is presented as a wife, and later Manfred confesses being a blood relation of Hippolita. Perhaps this is the reason for the hatred. Manfred is being pricked by his conscience because his marriage to Hippolita is illegal. It is illegal because Hippolita is related to him 'in the fourth degree'. In other words, Manfred's relationship with Hippolita is incestuous. Also, Hippolita had been contracted to another person before she got married to Manfred. Hippolita is a subservient character in the novel. She worships and respects every one of his opinions even when such opinions seem not to make sense. Hippolita's fear of Manfred is shown in the first chapter of the novel. Prior to the death of Conrad, Hippolita is supposed to have a say on the death of her son but Manfred keeps her in the dark. The relationship between Manfred and Hippolita is also seen in the way Manfred enforces his opinions and no one dare question, not even his wife Hippolita who is the matriarch of the family. After the death of Conrad, Manfred decides to marry Isabella without Hippolita's consent. When Manfred pushes further in his decision to marry Isabella, Hippolita shrugs and bears it. Manfred blames Hippolita, his wife, for their failure to have another male besides Conrad. In spite of the fact that he could be responsible, the blame is put on the wife and the wife also accepts it without the slightest objection. Manfred also treats Hippolita's views with disdain, even where it concerns her son. The way Manfred goes about pursuing his plan to divorce her and marry Isabella shows total disregard for her. Hippolita's docile acceptance of the idea of Manfred getting married to Isabella shows the extent to which she has been brought under patriarchal dominance. At the end of the story, Hippolita chooses to support Manfred despite her own grief. Also, in spite of having been ill treated in the past and in spite of the shame that attends her husband's confession, she still stands by him. She also encourages her despairing husband to join her in dedicating the rest of their lives to serving God.