The Gothic literature genre began with the publication of Horace Walpole's novel entitled, "The Castle of Otranto" in 1765.
The paper discusses how elements of magic and terror are interspersed throughout the
novel. It shows how this work is similar to that of Matthew Lewis' "The Monk" (1796). The paper analyzes how magic is utilized in both
novels in developing the characters of the protagonist as they descend and succumb to their worldly needs and desires. Magic is discussed as a force that led to Manfred and Ambrosio's downfall in "The Castle of Otranto" and "The Monk," respectively. Passages from both novels are included in the paper.