Unlike Robert Louis Stevenson or Oscar Wilde, Horace
Walpole is not a name readily recognized. However, he goes down in history for
his significant contribution to the literary field. His attempt to combined
elements of ancient Romanticism and modern realism into a new writing style
were very effective; his most famous novel – The Castle of Otranto – is
considered the very first Gothic novel.
Written in 1764, The Castle of Otranto sets the standards
for the Gothic fiction. Components of the novel would later define the genre, including:
Gothic architecture
Lines of succession
The decline and fall of an ancient bloodline
Doppelgangers
Psychological terror
Questions of incest
Fantastical horror and supernatural events
Tyrannical patriarchal power
Threatened female
Ancient prophecy
Dark omens
With these elements Walpole skillfully sets the stage for
generations of Gothic fiction to come. And yet we can see how the foundations
of the genre pull from older literary works. For example, I think one of the
most interesting things about The Castle of Otranto is its Shakespeare
overtones. Walpole draws heavily on Shakespeare’s works – specifically Hamlet
and Macbeth. From characters inspired by King Claudius and Malcolm, the son of
a slain king, to ancient prophecies and ghostly appearances, Otranto echoes many
of the dark mysteries in Shakespeare’s work.
I personally deem The Castle of Otranto one of the most
fascinating ghost stories I've ever read. It’s mysterious and Gothic, full of
ghosts and villains – not to mention a tragically beautiful love story. If you've never read it before, I’d highly recommend it. Especially during this darkest
time of year . . .
I haven't heard of this one but it sounds like something I'd love to check out.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of it, but I've never read it. It sounds interesting, but, by the time I have time to work something new onto my list, I'll probably have forgotten about it again.
ReplyDeleteCool! I love Mrs. Radcliffe novels but I've never hear of Horace Walpole. Thanks for posting this!
ReplyDeleteThis is a book I've been obsessed with for several years now. It's important to note that some of my obsessions do not come with actual experience with the object of my obsession. Feel free to judge.
ReplyDeleteOh look, another book I need to acquire.
ReplyDeleteThe first Gothic novel? Interesting!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this, but I really want to read it now. Just the age of it is quite compelling.
ReplyDeleteI learned a lot from this post. Thanks. I definitely want to check it out now. It does make me wonder why no enterprising filmmaker has ever adapted it, though.
ReplyDeleteCastle of Otranto's been on my to be read list for some time now. Your list made me chuckle, as I've been re-reading Anne Rice's Lasher and it contains just about every element you mentioned! :)
ReplyDeleteMina's Resurrection Blogfest!
I read this a couple of years ago. Everything you say is true but I also think it's a bit, well, mad. I mean, what was the giant helmet thing about? Fun though.
ReplyDelete