Write a critical apprecaition for Horcale Warpole's Castle of Otranto

From the very beginning this extract sets itself up fit seamlessly with other typical gothic novels through its depiction of intense overpowering emotions that seem to be almost too strong a force for the shrinking female protagonist; ‘resolution had given way’. Not only does the presence of a weak female victim, as the main protagonist, give this extract a similar feel to much gothic literature of its time but the ultimate surrender she seems to undergo, as she had ‘given way, in the face of the omnipotent force of ‘terror’ furthers the feeble and defenseless nature she possesses as a female victim in a typical gothic setting. This initial sense of terror is perpetuated through the suggestion that the gothic virgin is in a state of uncertainty as the next steps she should take seem obscured and blurred out of her vision; ‘stopped not knowing whither to direct nor how to escape’. Creating an immense sense of unease and anxiety this further characterises this novel as one from the typical gothic genre. The atmosphere of anxiety and fear is also emphasised by the seemingly inevitable pursuit of the ‘prince’; his aristocrat status merely just another element of this extract that coincides with the typical gothic genre. The ‘impetuosity of his passions’ further highlights the sinister nature of his pursuit through the plosive sounds created that ultimately highlight his aggressive and impulsive pursuit. In addition to this the description of his ‘purpose’ as ‘odious’ emphasises the foul and abhorrent nature of his intent. This is a trope that parallels much original gothic literature as the stories they told often entailed a defenseless pure woman running from the threat of an omnipotent male aristocratic antagonist. Much original gothic literature often depicts these defenseless women to be trapped and isolated without any availability of escape much as this extract does; through the setting of the castle. The ‘locked… gates’ and ‘guards’ that patrol the ‘castle’ make her escape seem inevitably impossible and thus highlight a sense of fear and unease, as much gothic literature does, as the reader becomes aware of the danger of the victim’s current situation. Furthermore, another element of gothic literature, particularly the fate of young women, that is explored in this extract is the question of the extent to which we have control over our destiny; ‘the cruel destiny that awaited her’. Talking of another female victim within this novel the extract, following the line of the typical gothic genre, seems to make the suggestion that female destiny is dictated by men. The suggestion that this destiny is ‘cruel’ proposes the idea that female destiny, particularly within this genre, is ultimately attributed to their sexuality and the extent to which they can be used to fulfill male desires. This is an idea that is also explored in the gothic short story ‘the withered arm’ in which not one but two women face the consequences of being subject to male desire.