Otranto
Posted by Constanza on September 10, 1998 at 15:49:54:
In response to Gothic Novel #1, written by J.L. on September 07, 1998 at 20:59:57
The first chapter is well written and captivating, but the remainder of the novel seems like each plot turn is contrived, each bit of foreshadowing made obvious.
I read it a few years ago, and was rather disappointed. I remember that it started fairly well, but it reached a point when I told myself "nobody can believe this", it lacked credibility (there was a scene where a gigantic foot or hand or head appears and I simply found it "too much"). And mind you, I am very fond of fantastic literature and science fiction. Anyway I guess it was fairly innovative for that time.
And of course, the "love story" subplot was rather far-fetched and there were a couple of characters I liked that were killed or died just because of other people's guilt and I found it very unfair
All in all, I didn't really care for it, nor did anyone else in my class. The teacher did not understand until I put into this context for her: "I have respect for it, because it is the foundation for all other gothic-style works, but when you compare it to something like Dracula, it really loses a lot of its appeal."
I completely agree with you.
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