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The Castle of Otranto Book Summary and Study Guide

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of The Castle of Otranto


Considered the first Gothic novel written in England, "The Castle of Otranto" is the story of Manfred who has usurped the throne of Otranto from Alfonso the Good. When the story opens, it is the wedding day of Manfred's son, but as he is walking through the courtyard a giant helmet falls on his head and kills him. Manfred, having no other male heir, decides to put off his wife and marry his son's intended, Isabella, himself. A young knight appears to defend her and he is imprisoned in the giant helmet. Isabella runs to the protection of the church with the help of the knight who has escaped. Manfred, however, is not to be denied and he pursues Isabella.   
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The review of this Book prepared by Jack Goodstein



Chapter Analysis of The Castle of Otranto

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Plot & Themes

Tone of book?    -   thoughtful Time/era of story    -   1600-1899 Life of a profession:    -   king/queen/royalty Is this an adult or child's book?    -   Adult or Young Adult Book Job/Profession/Status story    -   Yes

Main Character

Gender    -   Male Profession/status:    -   Prince/Nobleman/King Age:    -   40's-50's Ethnicity/Nationality    -   Italian Unusual characteristics:    -   Extremely cynical or arrogant

Setting

How much descriptions of surroundings?    -   3 () Europe    -   Yes European country:    -   Italy

Writing Style

Weird Victorian/Shakespearean English?    -   Yes Amount of dialog    -   significantly more descript than dialog

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Horace Walpole Books Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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