HORACE WALPOLE: The Castle of Otranto
7.Assess the relationship between fathers and their children in the novel
8. Comment on the presence of ghosts and spirits in the novel.
Explanation
Ouestion 7:
1) Relation to theme: One controlling theme in the novel is the relationship between parents and their offspring. The manner of relating to an offspring triggers various outcomes, thus is very important in the development of the plot.
2) Character identification: ) Manfred is the father of Conrad and Matilda. (i) Father Jerome is the father of Theodore. (iii) Frederic, Marquis of Vicenza, is the father of Isabella.
3) Manfred, Conrad and Matilda: (i) Manfred apparently loves Conrad as heir. (ii) His main concern when Conrad dies is to find a replacement prolong his rule. (iii) Manfred is an oppressive and overbearing father to Matilda. (iv) He does have some parental feelings for her; this is shown in his regret after inadvertently killing her. (v) Matilda is useful in Manfred's desire to perpetuate his rule.
(4) Father Jerome and Theodore: (i) Father Jerome works diligently to save Theodore even (ii) The true bond between father and son is revealed when father Jerome realises their true relationship (iii) Theirs is the only healthy relationship between father and son in the novel
(5) Frederic and Isabella: (i) Frederic comes to Otranto to rescue his daughter. stages. (ii) He defends her at the initial (iii) He later reveals his true feelings by agreeing with Manfred to swap their daughters in marriage.
6) Significance: (i) Generally speaking, fathers use their children to achieve their selfish goals. (ii) Only Father Jerome shows real affection for Theodore.
Question 8:
(1) Relation to theme : Superstition is a major theme in the novel. The presence of the supernatural accounts for several strange occurrences and incidents.
(2) Character identification: Gigantic leg; the Spectre; mysterious shield: apparitions; spirits – these show the presence of the supernatural in the novel.
(3) Incidents of their appearances: (i) After Conrad's death (ii) During Manfred's overture with Isabella. (iii) During Manfred's excitement at the intended 'inter-rnarriages'. (iv) At Frederic's arrival. (V) During Frederic's prayer session at the Chapel. (vi) From the servants' reports. (vii) The confirmation of Theodore as the 'true heir
(4) Notions of their presence (i) Words of horror such as violent motion', Prediction', haunted', etc. (1) Epithet of resignation such as heaved' (iii) Words of violence such as 'enormous sabre', frighten', 'rattling of armour', etc. (iv) Images of demons such as 'giant', 'Fleshless jaws', 'empty sockets of a skeleton', hermits' cowl', etc. (v) Words of fear such as 'alas!', frighten', 'ravest', 'horror', deep sigh.
(5) Characters' reaction to the presence of these phenomena: (i) The servants are filled with fear. They contemplate quitting their jobs. Bianca almost 'swooned' and she declares, "I had rather leave everything behind me than stay another hour under this roof. (ii) Hippolita submits and entreats Manfred, ... Let us submit ourselves to heaven .... (iii) Frederic withdraws his lustful desire for Matilda. (iv) Isabella supplicates: ... hear them all ye angels', (v) Matilda shows indifference and disregards Bianca's observation acknowledging the divine will', 'warning future tyrants thus. . (vii) Theodore reacts with more audacity by retreating into the forest 'reported around the country to be haunted by evil spirits
(6) Significance: (i) The ghosts and spirits are Used to create suspense. (ii) They are used to provide flashbacks. (iii) They resolve the conflict. After the declaration of Theodore as the 'true heir of AIfonso', all appearances of ghosts and spirits end. (iv) They signal a new beginning in the castle. Alfonso's form speaks of a new heir after it 'appeared in the centre of the ruin'. (v) They help to bring about the fulfilment of the ancient prophecy. (vi) Their presence adds to the gothic setting of the novel.