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Symbols
Castles are a staple of Gothic literature, their formidable and intricate structure representative of gothic themes. In The Castle of Otranto, a story centered around a particular castle, the castle represents evil in the form of sexual deviancy and the corruption of power. It is in the castle’s eerie rooms and dark passageways that Manfred pursues Isabella, intending to rape her. This sexual violence is also incestuous — Isabella is not only Manfred’s de facto daughter but also his contracted daughter-in-law, engaged to his son. Further, as Manfred’s and Hippolita’s home, the castle represents another dimension of incest through Manfred’s claim that his marriage to Hippolita is itself incestuous.
The castle also serves as the locus for wealth and power, and the corruption that often accompanies power. The very walls of the castle represent how rulership of Otranto has been usurped by Manfred’s family, as the castle is haunted by the restless ghosts of Alfonso and Ricardo. And when Manfred himself falls from power, so too do the walls of the castle.
Castle of Otranto Quotes in The Castle of Otranto
The The Castle of Otranto quotes below all refer to the symbol of Castle of Otranto. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
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Chapter 1
Quotes
The Castle and Lordship of Otranto should pass from the present family whenever the real owner should be grown too large to inhabit it.
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Chapter 5
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The moment Theodore appeared, the walls of the castle behind Manfred were thrown down with a mighty force, and the form of Alfonso, dilated to an immense magnitude, appeared in the centre of the ruins. “Behold in Theodore the true heir of Alfonso!” said the vision: and having pronounced these words, accompanied by a clap of thunder, it ascended solemnly towards Heaven, where, the clouds parting asunder, the form of St. Nicholas was seen, and receiving Alfonso’s shade, they were soon wrapt from mortal eyes in a blaze of glory.
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Castle of Otranto Symbol Timeline in The Castle of Otranto
The timeline below shows where the symbol Castle of Otranto appears in The Castle of Otranto. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1
...the servants gossip widely that Manfred is trying to avoid an ancient prophecy (that “the Castle and Lordship of Otranto should pass from the present family whenever the real owner should...
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...there and that he would kill Hippolita. Remembering an underground passage leading away from the castle, she decides to seek sanctuary at the church of St. Nicholas. Her journey to the...
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...men to guard every exit and orders the peasant to remain in one of the castle’s rooms to be questioned further the next day.
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Chapter 2
...of Falconara. Manfred promises to spare Jerome’s son if he brings Isabella back to the castle. Theodore nobly but impetuously declares he is prepared to sacrifice his life. Before Jerome can...
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Chapter 3
...Manfred agrees to let Theodore live and has Jerome see who is waiting outside the castle. The herald outside asks for “the usurper of Otranto,” which angers Manfred. Eager to reassert...
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Chapter 4
The castle’s doctors examine Frederic’s wounds, none of which are life-threatening. As he is being cared for,...
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Chapter 5
On their way back to the castle, Manfred worries about what he is convinced is a love affair between Isabella and Theodore,...
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The monks and Theodore are bringing Matilda to the castle, with Manfred following behind in despair. Hippolita, who had heard the news, rushes toward the...
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...the court, dragging Theodore behind them. As soon as Theodore steps out, part of the castle walls behind Manfred crash down, and a giant ghost-like image of Alfonso appears over the...
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...Ricardo’s line would rule only until the rightful ruler grew too large to inhabit the castle.
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