HORACE WALPOLE: The Castle of Otranto 7.Assess the relationship between fathers and their children in...

Explanation

Ouestion 7:

1) Relation to theme: One controlling theme in the novel is the relationship between parents and their offspring. The manner of relating to an offspring triggers various outcomes, thus is very important in the development of the plot.

2) Character identification: ) Manfred is the father of Conrad and Matilda. (i) Father Jerome is the father of Theodore. (iii) Frederic, Marquis of Vicenza, is the father of Isabella.

3) Manfred, Conrad and Matilda: (i) Manfred apparently loves Conrad as heir. (ii) His main concern when Conrad dies is to find a replacement prolong his rule. (iii) Manfred is an oppressive and overbearing father to Matilda. (iv) He does have some parental feelings for her; this is shown in his regret after inadvertently killing her. (v) Matilda is useful in Manfred's desire to perpetuate his rule.

(4) Father Jerome and Theodore: (i) Father Jerome works diligently to save Theodore even (ii) The true bond between father and son is revealed when father Jerome realises their true relationship (iii) Theirs is the only healthy relationship between father and son in the novel

(5) Frederic and Isabella: (i) Frederic comes to Otranto to rescue his daughter. stages. (ii) He defends her at the initial (iii) He later reveals his true feelings by agreeing with Manfred to swap their daughters in marriage.

6) Significance: (i) Generally speaking, fathers use their children to achieve their selfish goals. (ii) Only Father Jerome shows real affection for Theodore.

Question 8:

(1) Relation to theme : Superstition is a major theme in the novel. The presence of the supernatural accounts for several strange occurrences and incidents.

(2) Character identification: Gigantic leg; the Spectre; mysterious shield: apparitions; spirits