Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how "The Castle of Otranto", written by Horace Walpole, is a prime example of Gothic literature. It examines how, in Walpole's novel, distinct characteristics can be found that will truly identify what a Gothic novel is and how one of these characteristics is the use of magical and supernatural events in the novel. It shows how magic is used as a means to provide horror and fear in the life of Prince Manfred, the greedy and cruel leader of the castle. The story primarily focuses on Manfred's preoccupation with perpetuating his power through his family, particularly his son, Conrad.

From the Paper:

"Another important contribution that Walpole's novel has created in English literary and cultural studies is through the realm of linguistic studies. "The Castle of Otranto" used words commonly found in English vocabulary, but with different meanings, especially when put in the context of Gothic literature. Words such as "enchantment" and "vision" convey mystery, while "affliction" and "wretched" illustrate fear and terror. These words that seemed to convey meanings that are unilateral in meaning have become bilateral. Thus, words that illustrate positive magical qualities such as "enchantment" and objective realities such as "vision" have now become words that depict horror and characteristic of the supernatural elements and events in ?The Castle of Otranto.?"

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