The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole

In this episode of The Classical Mind, Fr. Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson dive into Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto, the first Gothic novel and a cornerstone of literary history. They examine its groundbreaking blend of medieval romance, supernatural terror, and family drama, asking questions like: Is this a Christianized version of Oedipus Rex? How does the novel's atmosphere shape the Gothic genre? And why does this strange, haunting story still resonate today?
Discover the lasting impact of Walpole’s work, the moral consequences of unchecked ambition, and its fascinating connections to later Gothic masterpieces. Stay tuned to the end for a special recommendation to further explore the world of Gothic literature.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
“Helena” by My Chemical Romance
Strawberry Hill, Walpole's home that he designed himself
Endnotes:
Junius: The Bride of Lammermoor by Sir Walter Scott
Wesley:
-“The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe
-The Witch (2015)