Castle of Otranto

In the early gothic romance, The Castle of Otranto, many examples of the primary features of magic, mystery, and chivalry are exhibited. A prime example of magic in the early chapters of the book is when a giant helmet falls from the sky and crushes Conrad, Manfred’s only son. “But what a sight for a father’s eyes!-He beheld his child dashed to pieces, and almost buried under an enormous helmet, an hundred …

…mystery seem like negative ones the book has uplifting parts as well, such as when the young peasant who was blamed and imprisoned for the helmet held no grudge against the family gladly helped Isabella escape. “I will never quit you, said the stranger eagerly, till I have placed you in safety-nor think me, princess, more generous than I am…” (30). Here the young peasant boy risks life and limb to help Isabella escape to safety.