The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole

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About this eBook

Author Walpole, Horace, 1717-1797
Editor Morley, Henry, 1822-1894
Title The Castle of Otranto
Note Reading ease score: 69.6 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
Note First Gothic novel
Credits David Price
Summary "The Castle of Otranto" by Horace Walpole is a Gothic novel written in the late 18th century. The story unfolds in a mysterious castle where supernatural occurrences intertwine with human tragedy and ambition, centering on the tumultuous life of Manfred, the Prince of Otranto, whose actions stem from an ancient prophecy threatening his lineage. The characters include his beautiful daughter Matilda, the sickly son Conrad, and Isabella, the unwilling bride-to-be who becomes embroiled in the family's dark machinations. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Manfred and his family as preparations for the wedding of his son Conrad to Isabella are underway. However, tragedy strikes when Conrad is crushed to death by a giant helmet, triggering a chain of events that reveals the superstitions and tensions underlying Manfred's desperate desire for heirs. With Conrad's sudden death, Manfred becomes fixated on Isabella, disregarding her feelings, and reveals his tyrannical nature. The opening captures gothic themes of horror, fate, and the fragility of human connections, setting the stage for the ensuing drama and intrigue within the castle. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
Subject Horror tales
Subject Inheritance and succession -- Fiction
Subject Gothic fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 696
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Apr 9, 2021
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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