The Castle of Otranto

The Castle of Otranto

• Genre: Fiction; gothic novel
• Originally Published: 1764
• Reading Level/Interest: College/Adult
• Structure/Length: 5 chapters; approx. 125 pages; approx. 3 hours, 50 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Generally considered the first gothic novel, The Castle of Otranto tells the story of Manfred, Prince of Otranto, who clings to ownership of the castle at all costs because an ancient prophecy foretells the castle and lordship passing from his family whenever it grows too large to inhabit it. When mysterious events befall members of Manfred’s family, Manfred’s paranoia threatens not only his family but also the very foundation of the castle.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Supernatural elements; attempted forced marriage, murder

Horace Walpole, Author

• Bio: 1717-1797; English writer, art historian, man of letters, and Whig politician; born to British Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole and his wife Catherine; educated at Bexley, Eton, and King’s College; sexual orientation is subject of speculation, with older historians assuming asexuality and newer suggesting homosexuality because of his relationship with the 9th Earl of Lincoln; worked as Inspector of the Imports and Exports, Usher of the Exchequer, and Comptroller of the Pipe and Clerk; built Strawberry Hill House in 1749, reviving the Gothic style of architecture well before the Victorians; a nightmare he had at Strawberry Hill House served as inspiration for The Castle of Otranto
• Other Works: Anecdotes of Painting in England (1762); The Mysterious Mother: A Tragedy (1768); On Modern Gardening (1780); Hieroglyphic Tales (1785)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

• Divine Power Rewards Bloodlines and Noble Behavior
• Women as Weak, Distressed Possessions
• Blending Medieval Romances and the Novel

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

• Explore background information on the history of the term “gothic” and its application in literature to increase their engagement with and understanding of The Castle of Otranto.
• Read/study short paired texts and other resources to deepen their understanding of themes related to Divine Power Rewards Bloodlines and Noble Behavior; Women as Weak, Distressed Possessions; and Blending Medieval Romances and the Novel.
• Demonstrate their understanding of the “dream” motif in the novel by creating a dream journal entry for either Manfred or Frederic.
• Analyze the significance of various elements of the novel, such as allusions, symbolism, motifs, characterization, and style, and construct essay responses tying these to the novel’s meaning.