LITERATURE QUESTIONS
THE GOTHIC NOVEL
|
Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
|
|
|
To encourage rational evaluation rather than arouse emotional reactions
|
|
|
To emphasize the importance of character development over action
|
|
|
To assist with the flight and pursuit of villains and their prey
|
|
|
To support the growth and development of machinery in the 18th century
|
Detailed explanation-1: -Walpole was inspired to write the story after a nightmare he had at his Gothic Revival home, Strawberry Hill House, in southwest London.
Detailed explanation-2: -It tells the story of Manfred, the prince of Otranto, who is keen to secure the castle for his descendants in the face of a mysterious curse. The novel begins with the death of Manfred’s son, Conrad, who is crushed to death by an enormous helmet on the morning of his wedding to the beautiful princess Isabella.
Detailed explanation-3: -The Castle of Otranto is deeply concerned with paternity and its relation to political rule. The novel presents three major revelations about lineage, the consequences of which drive the plot forward. The first revelation is that of Theodore’s paternity.
Detailed explanation-4: -The very walls of the castle represent how rulership of Otranto has been usurped by Manfred’s family, as the castle is haunted by the restless ghosts of Alfonso and Ricardo. And when Manfred himself falls from power, so too do the walls of the castle.