The Castle Of Otranto Good Vs Evil

In 1764, author Horace Walpole published a new form of literacy; the gothic novel. The Castle of Otranto, known as the first gothic book takes place in Italy during the twelfth century. It is a book containing a fundamental plot with ghost, knights, damsels in distress and the continuous battle for the love of a wo66man encompassing many twists and turns along the way. The family that resides in the castle is haunted by an ancient prophecy which no one understands. Manfred, the stories gothic villain is an arrogant prince who makes it his mission to find the heir to the throne after his son Conrad mysteriously dies from a giant helmet crushing him. Manfred barely bats an eye after this tragic event and throws his wife Hippolita into the dungeon. Meanwhile, he attempts to take Isabella, Conrad’s bride to be for himself and starts by locking her into the bowels of the castle while he tries to come up with a plan to make her his wife. Matilda, Manfred’s daughter and peasant Theodore’s one true love, is killed
This in effect results in the feeling of sympathy from readers as these moments of goodness allow people to identify with the character and understand the reasoning behind his wrong doings. Manfred is a very intelligent and cunning character who recognises right from wrong and is able to eventually accept his fate and take responsibility for his actions. It is not uncommon for readers to empathize with the villain of gothic stories and it is evident as to why. When someone who is known for their faulty behaviour acts out of perceived character and displays their humanity, it is more noticeable to the readers and makes it easy to relate. True villains are supernatural beings who have no shame and no regrets, so when a supposed villain portrays morality, readers begin to question whether they are truly and internally evil or