Response 1

Within the gothic novel “The Castle of Otranto” I found the murder of Matilda to be one of the most interesting parts. Manfred’s actions displayed careless thought into the murder of an innocent. Although at first her identity is not known, it is believed that she is another woman (Manfred believed it to be Isabella) speaking to Theodore. That of course enraged Manfred beyond any point of reason which is when he decided to take the matter into his own hands. He recklessly pulled out his weapon, and murdered the person facing Theodore. Once the stabbing occurred, it was revealed that the unknown person was his own daughter. The irony in the death of Matilda really evokes a sense of horror in this gothic novel because it leaves the reader in shock. Looking back into the text, to further analyze why in fact, I felt so deeply disturbed over the death of Matilda I found key points which made the text all the more suspenseful before leading up to the fatal moment (which can all be found on page 101). “Gleams of moon shine” indicating a dark atmosphere was at bay, “indistinct whispers” representing all the horrible phantoms which resided within the castle walls”. Thus ending with the fatal kill of Matilda from her own father which evokes fear in itself to see a person capable of such a monstrous act. Overall I found this part of the book to truly represent a gothic novel for its morbid twist of events.