What do you think makes Harriet and Desmond such an amusing pair of characters? Support your ideas with details from Ayckbourn's writing.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2010). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Here is a familiar Ayckbourn portrait of human obsession brought about by the breakdown of a relationship.
2. It should be so sad, and perhaps is, but the playwright presents it with enormous comic verve.
3. Desmond does nothing else but cook but is an appalling chef in waiting.
4. Everyone attempts to avoid the results of his cooking and he has effectively removed his wife's appetite.
5. She has transferred her affections to her horrid dog which features prominently in central comic moments in the play.
6. An adequate answer will grasp something of these essentials and respond in some way to the humour.
7. The more such a response is in evidence, the higher the reward.