Gothic Fictions of Poe and Walpole: An Analysis

Running head: ENGLISH ASSIGNMENTS
English Assignments
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ENGLISH ASSIGNMENTS
Introduction
This essay aims to throw light on the various aspects of the gothic fictions of Poe and
Walpole. The following paragraphs will argue that the notion of gothic and terror are integral to
the two texts.
1. Interesting Observation
While reading Poe’s ‘The Fall of the house of Usher’, readers come across many
interesting observations. One of the most important and interesting observations found in the
reading is that the presentation of the nature of the narrator as the central figure whose presence
in the dilapidated house seems to support Roderick and the house in their last few days of
debilitation. What is most interesting is that the narrator remains unaffected by the surging
presence of the gloomy ambience surrounding the house. The narrator can be seen as the
interesting external force that enters the ‘House of Usher’ to observe the surroundings and
connect the inanimate elements with Roderick (Timmerman and John 160). This aspect is quite
interesting because throughout the strange and puzzling incidents, the narrator stands apart as the
strong force that promises to be the only voice of sanity and rationality. However, a closer
reading of the literary work will unearth the fact the enigma vested in the character of the
narrator. It is quite interesting to see the manner in which Madeline does not even acknowledge
the presence of the enigmatic narrator. Whether the narrator is a figment of the imagination of
Roderick Usher or is a real character is quite debatable. Further, what makes the character
interesting is the manner in which the house crumbles after his departure. Therefore, the
enigmatic nature of the narrator is interesting.

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ENGLISH ASSIGNMENTS
2. Walpole’s Style
A closer look at Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto’ will reveal that the novel employs the
language and style of Gothic literature. Walpole’s claims about his style being bereaved of
bombasts, similes, digression and flowery language can be justified after a closer reading of
the text. It has to be agreed that this is a good description of Walpole’s style.
In his ‘The Castle of Otranto’, Walpole strives to present the central issue in a concrete as
well as comprehensive manner. A closer reading will reveal that every incident or happening
in the text can be connected directly to the central catastrophic occurrence. In fact, the author
had endeavored to present the crucial aspect of horror and terror in a manner that has no
scope for digression. A closer analysis of the text will project that the author refrains from
using flowery language. Instead, to sustain the suspense and horror, the author employs a
direct style of presentation “...Theodore at length determined to repair to the forest that
Matilda had pointed out to him. Arriving there, he sought the gloomiest shades...” (Walpole
90). These lines serve to cater to the instincts of the reader that point towards the surging
terror and impending doom.
3. Feminist perspective
A scrutiny of ‘The Castle of Otranto’ will reveal that the text projects certain feminist
ideologies and perspectives (Derochers and Stephanie 4). Hence, it can be agreed that ‘The
Castle of Otranto’ can be read in feminist terms. In the novel, the author pen-portrays two
sisters, that is, Matilda and Isabella, who can be interpreted as the literary representation of
the upcoming modern women who are vested with innumerable responsibilities. There are