Literary novel review: The Castle of Otranto (1764) by Horace Walpole.

Hello everyone, I hope you are well. Welcome to my horror reviewing and we are starting off with what is considered the first ever gothic novel. The Castle of Otranto  (1764) by Horace Walpole is a grim tale that follows Manfred, the ruler of Otranto. At the beginning we witness Manfred's son, Conrad on his way to marry Isabella. However when he is crushed to his death a terrifying chain of events begin. From Manfred trying to pursue Isabella and Hippolita, Manfred's wife and Conrad's mother clueless, it goes crazy.


For this first ever gothic novel, it made me gasps on my than one moment. It is horrifying and it is terrifying. I think what sent me over the edge was Conrad's ghost returning and accepting his father wanting leave his mother for his was-soon-to-be wife Isabella. I still cannot fathom that this happened. I wander how Horace Walpole came up with his ideas because they are good; spine chilling but good. Further to this, The Castle of Otranto being the first gothic novel does introduce a new subgenre excellently. I think this novel does well at sending horror and terror people's spines. I loved it and I think as far as novels go, it is a strong example of 18th century gothic literature. I am going to give the Castle of Otranto a 9/10.


Until next time,


Thomas.

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