The Castle of Otranto

<p><strong>The Castle of Otranto</strong> by <strong>Horace Walpole</strong> (1764) is considered the first <strong>Gothic novel</strong> blending supernatural elements with medieval romance.</p><p>The story centers on <strong>Prince Manfred</strong> who rules the castle of Otranto. After his son Conrad is mysteriously crushed to death by a giant helmet on his wedding day Manfred becomes desperate to continue his family line. He decides to divorce his wife <strong>Hippolita</strong> and marry his son's fiancée <strong>Isabella</strong>. Terrified Isabella flees through the castle's dark passages with the help of a young peasant named <strong>Theodore</strong>.</p><p>As the tale unfolds strange supernatural events occur-ghostly apparitions moving portraits and giant armor pieces. Ultimately it is revealed that Manfred's family has usurped the rightful rulers of Otranto. When Manfred accidentally kills his own daughter <strong>Matilda</strong> in a tragic mistake he repents and relinquishes the castle to Theodore the true heir.</p><p>The novel explores <strong>themes of tyranny fate and the supernatural</strong> setting the foundation for later Gothic literature.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>