Comparative Analysis: Gothic Elements in Poe and Walpole's Fiction

This essay provides a detailed analysis of Gothic fiction, focusing on the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Horace Walpole. The introduction sets the stage for a comparative study, highlighting key observations in Poe's 'The Fall of the House of Usher' and Walpole's unique style in 'The Castle of Otranto'. The essay delves into the feminist perspectives present in Walpole's novel, examining the roles and responsibilities of female characters. It further explores the themes of political governance within 'The Castle of Otranto', including political satire and critiques of patriarchal politics. The essay also dissects a gothic scene from Walpole's novel, analyzing its elements of exposition, narration, and interiority. In conclusion, the essay summarizes the key findings, emphasizing the exploration of terror in both authors' works, with Poe focusing on the psyche and Walpole on external representations. The essay also provides references to relevant literary sources.

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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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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

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subtle nuances in the text that unearths the manner in which the female characters are seen to
exert their right for love.
In addition to this, the novel also presents the sexual explorations as well as repressions.
It can be said that the character of Matilda is vested with the capability of overthrowing the
despotism of the castle through her moral virtues. “If they are spirits in pain, we may ease
their sufferings by questioning them.” (Walpole 40). This line depicts the internal strength of
Matilda and her ability to face situations.
However, a closer analysis can bring forth the fact that the female characters are
generally seen in connection to the dominant male characters. Thus, it can be said that ‘The
Castle of Otranto’ presents certain important issues.
4. Political Governance in The Castle of Otranto
A closer look at the ‘The Castle of Otranto’ will reveal that the novel abounds in the idea
of political governance throughout the progression of the novel. The novel was emblematic
of the political situation surrounding the figure of John Wilkes. A closer look at the novel
will reveal that the aspect of political governance includes the aspect of political satire that
critiques the patriarchal politics (Koç, Ertuğrul, and Neslihan 80). The patriarchal politics is
represented by the family of Manfred. The staunch criticism of the patriarchal politics is a
representative of Walpole’s personal fear about the oppressive nature of government. The
idea of good governance is in introduced in the section where the patriarchal form of
governance is criticized. Good governance encompasses the notion of zero exercise of
excessive authority.

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The problems of political governance is explored in a vivid manner in the text.
The idea of political anxiety is explored in the sections where the character indulge in
tumultuous exchanges. The three dysfunctional families are representative of the political
turmoil and the upheaval that is emblematic of the fear of Walpole. The concluding section
of the text upholds the idea of good governance where the patriarchal form of governance of
Manfred is replaced by Theodore.
5. A Gothic Scene
In ‘The Castle of Otranto’, the author presents many scenes in a Gothic castle that evokes
the sense of fear and terror. In a scene, the prince of Otranto is seen trying to ward off the
impending doom. His desire for a male offspring goes to vain as he wrecks havoc on the
castle. Innumerable ill omens strive to warn Manfred from treading on his chosen path of
male off springs. The various ill omens and apparitions are blood dripping from the nose of a
statue, a portrait coming to life, a metaphorical giant distributing his skeletons around the
castle. These signs fail to deter Manfred from moving in his mission to acquire male child for
his progeny. Little does he know that his endeavors were futile because the right owner of the
castle had been chosen.
(Exposition)
The section that depicts Manfred preparing for his endeavors.
(Narration)
The narration begins when the apparitions start appearing.
(Science)

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The scene borders on science fiction where the fantastic aspects come to life.
(Interiority)
The scene is set in the interior of the castle.
(Description)
The scene describes the various warning signals that are issued to Manfred.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the two gothic fictions present the aspect of terror. It can also be
concluded that while Poe’s story discusses about the psyche, Walpole discusses about the
external representations.

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References
Walpole, Horace. The Castle Of Otranto. Oxford World's Classics, 2014.
Timmerman, John H. "House of Mirrors: Edgar Allan Poe's ‘The Fall of the House of
Usher’." Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” and Other Stories-New Edition (2014): 159-
72.
Derochers, Stephanie M. "From Otranto to Hogwarts: The Progression of Gothic as “Feminine”
Literature." (2014).
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.