Who is considered the founder of the Gothic novel?
AAnn Radcliffe
BHorace Walpole
CMatthew Gregory Lewis
DWilliam Beckford
Answer:
B. Horace Walpole
Read Explanation:
Horace Walpole and the Birth of the Gothic Novel
Founder of the Gothic Novel:
- Horace Walpole is widely credited as the founder of the Gothic novel.
- His novel, The Castle of Otranto, published in 1764, is considered the first Gothic novel.
Key Elements Introduced by Walpole:
- Walpole's work established many of the tropes and conventions that would define the Gothic genre for centuries. These include:
- Supernatural elements: Ghosts, ancient prophecies, and unexplained occurrences.
- Medieval setting: Castles, abbeys, and other decaying structures evoking a sense of the past.
- Atmosphere of mystery and terror: Emphasis on suspense, dread, and psychological fear.
- Heroines in distress: Vulnerable female characters facing danger and persecution.
- Intrigue and forbidden love: Complex plots often involving secrets, inherited curses, and passionate, sometimes doomed, romance.
Background and Context:
- Horace Walpole (1717-1797) was an English writer, art historian, and politician.
- He was the son of Sir Robert Walpole, the first Prime Minister of Great Britain.
- Walpole's Gothic novel was written as a "a frightful dream" and initially presented as a translation of an ancient Italian manuscript to add to its mystique.
- The success and influence of The Castle of Otranto paved the way for other prominent Gothic writers such as Ann Radcliffe, Matthew Lewis, and Mary Shelley.
Significance for Competitive Exams:
- Understanding Walpole's role is crucial for questions related to the origins and development of English literary genres.
- Be familiar with the key characteristics of The Castle of Otranto and its impact on subsequent Gothic literature.
- Knowledge of seminal works like The Castle of Otranto is often tested in English Literature exams, especially in sections on 18th-century British literature and literary movements.