Question 8
HORACE WALPOLE: The Castle of Otranto
Comment on the presence of ghosts and spirits in the novel.
Observation
This question is unpopular among the candidates. Not many gave the required answer as some of them dealt with only Conrad and his father’s lust for power
The following points were expected from the candidates:
- Statement of the theme.
- Character identification.
- Explication of the presence and implications of ghosts, giants, spirits and apparitions.
- Characters’ involvement with the ghost and their reactions.
- Images of horror, superstition and violence.
Candidates’ performance in this question was very good.