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Unit 12: The Age of Johnson-The Decline of Neoclassicism (Gothic Novel)

certain type of novels, so named because all these novels seem to take place in Gothic-styled Notes
architecture — mainly castles, mansions, and, of course, abbeys (“Gothic...”).

12.3 Elements of Gothic Novel

Archetypes in the Gothic Novel
As David De Vore states, “The Gothic hero becomes a sort of archetype as we find that there is a
pattern to their characterization. There is always the protagonist, usually isolated either voluntarily
or involuntarily. Then there is the villain, who is the epitome of evil, either by his (usually a man)
own fall from grace, or by some implicit malevolence. The Wanderer, found in many Gothic tales,
is the epitome of isolation as he wanders the earth in perpetual exile, usually a form of divine
punishment.”
Virginal Maiden – young, beautiful, pure, innocent, kind, virtuous. Shows these virtues by fainting
and crying whenever her delicate sensibilities are challenged, usually starts out with a mysterious
past and it is later revealed that she is the daughter of an aristocratic or noble family.
Matilda in The Castle of Otranto – She is determined to give up Theodore, the love of her life, for
her cousin’s sake. Matilda always puts others first before herself, and always believes the best in
others.
Adeline in The Romance of the Forest - “Her wicked Marquis, having secretly immured Number
One (his first wife), has now a new and beautiful wife, whose character, alas! Does not bear
inspection.” As this review states, the virginal maiden character is above inspection because her
personality is flawless. Hers is a virtuous character whose piety and unflinching optimism causes
all to fall in love with her.

Older, Foolish Woman

Hippolita in The Castle of Otranto - Hippolita is depicted as the obedient wife of her tyrant husband
who “would not only acquiesce with patience to divorce, but would obey, if it was his pleasure, in
endeavouring to persuade Isabelle to give him her hand”. This shows how weak women are
portrayed as they are completely submissive, and in Hippolita’s case, even support polygamy at the
expense of her own marriage.
Madame LaMotte in The Romance of the Forest – naively assumes that her husband is having an
affair with Adeline. Instead of addressing the situation directly, she foolishly lets her ignorance
turn into pettiness and mistreatment of Adeline.

Hero
Theodore in The Castle of Otranto – he is witty, and successfully challenges the tyrant, saves the
virginal maid without expectations
Theodore in The Romance of the Forest – saves Adeline multiple times, is virtuous, courageous
and brave, self-sacrificial

Tyrant
Manfred in The Castle of Otranto – unjustly accuses Theodore of murdering Conrad, tries to put his
blame onto others. Lies about his motives for attempting to divorce his wife and marry his late
son’s fiancé.
The Marquis in The Romance of the Forest – attempts to get with Adeline even though he is
already married, attempts to rape Adeline, and blackmails Monsieur LaMotte.

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