As one of
the very first gothic novels, I’ve been looking forward to reading The Castle of Otranto. It’s mentioned
by fictional characters in various later novels as sensational, chilling, etc.,
and was one of the works which really kickstarted the gothic literary movement.
I wasn’t disappointed – although it’s only a short piece, we’re treated to ancient prophecies, virtuous maidens, dastardly scheming villains, ghostly apparitions, mistaken identities, and long-lost heirs – to name but a few. From the moment when the heir to Otranto is mysteriously crushed by a giant steel helmet on the way to his own wedding, plot twists and bizarre occurrences come thick and fast.
I wasn’t disappointed – although it’s only a short piece, we’re treated to ancient prophecies, virtuous maidens, dastardly scheming villains, ghostly apparitions, mistaken identities, and long-lost heirs – to name but a few. From the moment when the heir to Otranto is mysteriously crushed by a giant steel helmet on the way to his own wedding, plot twists and bizarre occurrences come thick and fast.
The
unapologetic melodrama makes what is admittedly a raw example of a budding
genre both enjoyable and vaguely amusing in its absurdity.
Good
over-the-top stuff, with the added bonus of being an important part of literary
history.
Next up: Vathek by William Beckford
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