English Assignments

The essay delves deeper into the aspects of supernatural in two gothic texts. It argues for the idea that the aspects of supernatural are intrinsic to the development of the texts. The essay discusses interesting facts, Walpole's style, feminist perspective, political governance and gothic scenes.

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English Assignments
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1ENGLISH ASSIGNMENTS
Introduction
Aiming to understand the various aspects of the two gothic texts, the essay will endeavor
to delve deeper into these areas. The following paragraphs will argue for the idea that the aspects
of supernatural are intrinsic to the development of the texts.
1. Interesting Fact
Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher”, is one of the most interesting stories
that depict the present state and the final amelioration of the protagonist along with the
dilapidated house. One of the most interesting facts is the mysterious and ambiguous nature of
the narrator. The narrator is presented as a character who makes his presence felt during the final
days of Roderick Usher and the dilapidated house (Pang et al.). The ambiguous character of the
narrator remains visibly unaffected by the gloom at the house. In addition to this, the narrator can
also be viewed as the external agent who strives to witness the strange happenings of the house
and Roderick Usher. Throughout the strange incidents, the narrator stands as the only voice of
rationality as well as sanity. What is most interesting is the manner in which Madeline refuses to
acknowledge the presence of the narrator. This is quite interesting because this scene forces the
readers to question about the very existence of the narrarto. It is quite doubtful whether the
narrator was a figment of the imagination of Roderick Usher.
2. Style of Walpole
A closer look at Walpoles’ ‘The Castle of Otranto’ will unearth many ideas which cannot
be revealed otherwise. It has to be agreed that Walpole’s style is emblematic of the statement
that Walpole does not inculcate any exaggeration and diversion. The statement that Walpole
does not focus on the inclusion of bombasts, Instead, it can be mentioned that Walople’s

2ENGLISH ASSIGNMENTS
‘The Castle of Otranto’ reflects the intrinsic style of the author that chiefly focuses on the
notion of terror as well as sheer horror that is reflected throughout the text.
A scrutiny of the text will project that Walpole hardly indulges in digressions or
generation of irrelevant ideas. It can also be said that every incident in the novel strives to
point towards the central issue and catastrophe. In addition to this, the author has endeavored
to present the aspect of horror without any kind of digression or addition of irrelevant
ideologies. Using an extremely direct and comprehensive approach, the author explores the
idea of terror. “he roved insensibly to the caves…haunted by evil spirits” (Walpole 90).
Following a direct manner, the author presents the haunted nature of the caves. Thus it can be
said that the statement of Walpole’s style being bereaved of any exaggeration is true and can
be justified through his writings.
3. Feminist Perspective in ‘The Castle of Otranto’
A closer look at ‘The Castle of Otranto’ will project that the novel abounds in the
inclusion of the feminist perspective (Peraza Cruz and Adriana 1). It has to be agreed that the
novel strives to throw light on the various perspectives of feminism. A closer look at the
female characters in the novel will unearth that the author had tried to build the characters of
Matilda and Isabella as the representatives of the modern women who do not express
inhibitions while discharging any kind of responsibility (Siddiqui, Mohammad and Seher
159). In addition to this, it is also seen that the character of Matilda is presented as a strong
and self-aware woman who is aware of the nature of the supernatural presence. In addition to
this, the text also projects the idea of sexual repression and explorations of the female
characters. The text also projects the aspect of the quest for love of the female characters.

3ENGLISH ASSIGNMENTS
“Matilda, resigning herself...acknowledged…the zeal of Theodore…” (Walpole 143)
This line is emblematic of the fact that Matilda is aware of her conscience and emotional
needs.
4. Political Governance
‘The Castle of Otranto’ by Walpole reflects the political atmosphere that was present
during the time of Walpole. The political turmoil in the text is reflective of the political
scenario during the time of John Wilkes. A closer look at the novel will present that the text
presents a picture of patriarchal political scenario, which is represented by the rule of
Manfred. Manfred represents the patriarchal head. In addition to this, the novel also tries to
criticize the patriarchal form of governance. The criticism of the patriarchal form of
governance is indicative of the author’s own criticism of the patriarchal form of governance
and reflects his fear of this form of governance. Manfred’s family represents the patriarchal
politics (Koç, Ertuğrul, and Neslihan 80). Good governance encompasses the notion of the
exercise of zero excess in terms of authority. The aspect of good governance is introduced in
the sections where the patriarchal form of governance is criticized.
Further, it is also seen that the concluding section of the text upholds and projects the rule
of good governance. The concluding section projects that the despotic and patriarchal rule of
Manfred comes to an end and is replaced by the good governance of Theodore. Thus, it can
be said that the political ambience in the text is reflective of the fears and critique of the
political ambience.
5. Gothic Scene

4ENGLISH ASSIGNMENTS
In one of the Gothic scenes in ‘The Castle of Otranto’, the author endeavors to project
Manfred’s inherent need for a male child for the future. In this scene, Manfred is seen
exercising his will and need for a male child. Having decided for a male child, Manfred tries
to ward off the impending doom and evil. However, his efforts go in vain because the ill
omens and portents strive to warn him about the consequences. The ill omens start from the
blood oozing out from the nose of a statue, a portrait coming to life, the fantastic monster
distributing his skeletons inside the castle. However, Manfred does not realize that his efforts
are in vain. In addition, he does not understand that the heir has already been chosen.
(Exposition)
The exposition occurs when Manfred tries to ward off evil.
(Narration)
The narration starts with the appearance of the apparition.
(Science)
The scene presents science fiction in the sections of the apparition.
(Interiority)
The best example is in the setting that is set in the interiors.
(Description)
The best example is in the description of the apparitions.
Conclusion

5ENGLISH ASSIGNMENTS
It can be concluded that the two gothic fictions strive to present the parallel world of
ambiguity and mystery. While Poe’s work is concentrated on the psychic aspects, Walpole’s
work speaks about the external turmoil and the terror.
References
Koç, Ertuğrul, and Neslihan Atcan Altan. "Fear and Wish-fulfilling Flights of Fancy: Walpole’s
Nightmare of Class Conflict and the Restoration of Aristocracy in The Castle of
Otranto." Zagadnienia Rodzajów Literackich 57 (2014): 75-88.
Pang, Wenfang, Diqiu Wang, and Shanshan Hu. "Gothicism in The Fall of the House of
Usher." Advances in Literary Study3.01 (2015): 15.
Peraza Cruz, Adriana. "Proto-feminist insights into Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey." (2015).
Siddiqui, Mohammad Junaid, and Seher Özsert. "Portrayal of Women in The Great Gatsby and
The Castle of Otranto." Electronic International Journal of Education, Arts, and Science
(EIJEAS) 1.1 (2015).
Walpole, Horace. The Castle Of Otranto. Oxford World's Classics, 2014.