"The Entry of Fredrick into the Castle of Otranto" John Carter 1790
Summary of the Plot
The novel opens to the prospect of a wedding between Conrad, Manfred's son, and Isabella. Frederick, Isabella's father, is presumed to be dead after fighting in war. Manfred convinces Isabella's guardians to let her marry his son and on the day of the wedding, Conrad is killed by a large helmet falling from the sky. Manfred decides that because his heir is gone he will marry Isabella himself and divorce his wife (Hippolita) on the basis of incest. Isabella is able to escape from the castle with the help of Theodore, a peasant that has been imprisoned over his supposed involvement in Conrad's death. Manfred asks the priest, Jerome, for help convincing Hippolita that a divorce is the best course of action and to assist him in obtaining Isabella, who has asked for refuge in the church until her father arrives. Manfred and Jerome meet, while Manfred is about to have Theodore executed. Jerome realizes that Theodore is his son and begs for his life. Manfred heeds Jerome and releases Theodore in exchange for Isabella. Frederick's army enters with all intentions of saving Isabella and locks up Theodore, who is released by Matilda, Manfred's daughter and instantly falls in love with her. Theodore speeds to the aid of Isabella and finds her in a nearby cave, and ultimately fights and maims her father over her, thinking her father is one of Manfred's soldiers. They then race back to the castle, where Frederic's wounds are taken care of and he falls in love with Matilda and enters into a discussion of marrying each other's daughter to the other man. Distraught, Matilda and Theodore meet in the chapel, where she is stabbed by her father in an attempt of his to expose Isabella with another man. It becomes apparent that Theodore is the true prince of Otranto soon after, and he eventually marries Isabella because she understands his sadness at losing Matilda, while Manfred stews in self-pity and leaves the castle.
Art Inspired by the Novel
Characters
Manfred
Hippolita Frederic Conrad Diego Jaque |
Isabella
Theodore Matilda Friar Jerome Bianca |