73 pages • 2 hours read
Horace WalpoleThe Castle of Otranto
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1764A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Castle of Otranto, by Horace Walpole, follows the power-hungry Manfred, Prince of Otranto, who goes to extreme lengths to defy an ancient prophecy threatening his family's hold over the castle. After his son is mysteriously killed, Manfred attempts to marry his son's betrothed, Isabella, resulting in a series of supernatural events and dramatic revelations that ultimately fulfill the prophecy.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole is praised for its pioneering role in the gothic novel genre, with a gripping atmosphere and strong influence on later literature. However, some find its melodramatic plot and dated prose challenging. Overall, it remains a significant, if polarizing, work for fans of gothic fiction.
Who Should Read The Castle of Otranto?
Readers with a penchant for Gothic fiction, atmospheric settings, and supernatural elements will enjoy The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole. Fans of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Bram Stoker's Dracula will appreciate its pioneering role in the genre, blending medieval and romantic elements with eerie, haunting intrigue.