The Castle of Otranto

The Castle of Otranto, first published in 1764 by English author Horace Walpole (1717-1797), is considered the first supernatural work of Gothic fiction, influencing many well-known 19th century writers such as Clara Reeve, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, and Robert Louis Stevenson.

The five-chapter long novella revolves around the mysterious supernatural events at the titular castle, whose owner goes to villainous lengths to maintain control of it. Walpole introduces Gothic elements that drive the plot, such as mysterious deaths and long-hidden secrets, and themes that reflect 18th century anxieties, including the importance of family lineage, the power of patriarchal societies, and women in servitude to their husbands. Gothic motifs valorize medieval history and tradition.

The Castle of Otranto was published at a time when the role of fiction was debated: Should it mirror real life, or should it embrace the imagination? Walpole first published the novella with a claim that it was a translated work of medieval fiction from the 11th and 12th centuries. Once Walpole revealed that the work was his original writing, many readers dismissed the text as unrealistic, immoral, and absurd.

This study guide references the Kindle edition of Walpole’s novel.

Plot Summary

The Castle of Otranto exists under an ancient prophecy: "the castle and lordship of Otranto should pass from the present family, whenever the real owner should be grown too large to inhabit it" (6).