Summary of Chapter -II of The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole

After the series of horrible occurrences in the castle and the tragic and unfortunate incident death of Conrad, Matilda remains restless in her bed chamber throughout the night. Bianca, her maid, informs Matilda about Isabella’s mysterious disappearance. She becomes terribly worried about her. Bianca also tells her about the peasant’s failed attempt to escape from prison and that he has been captured by the attendants while trying to escape through the secret vault of the castle. Matilda comes to know about the supernatural appearance of the gigantic leg and foot, which has haunted the male attendant Diego, and chased him through the gallery chamber. A Chaplain is summoned in the castle and Bianca thinks that it is for Matilda’s marriage. After Conrad’s death, the only way to continue the family line is to marry Matilda, the sole surviving heir to the castle. Matilda loves her father even when Manfred has never displayed any sign of affection to her. She tries to rationalize Manfred’s rugged temper and rude behavior to her. The two women listen to the strange sounds created in the castle by the swift flow of strong wind. Matilda recapitulates how her mother used to admire the righteous; Alfonso the good .Matilda was impressed by the image of Alfonso and used to think that her destiny is somehow related to him. Sometimes Matilda has suspected her mother of keeping a terrible secret from her and due to that she seems to suffer mental agony for which she often prays to the Lord. Bianca is terrified and unable to sleep due to the strange sounds that keep occurring in the castle. Matilda believes that the restless spirits are in pain and they will do no harm. She asks Bianca to give her beads to say her prayers in order to communicate with the spirits. Suddenly they realized that someone was standing beneath the casement. The stranger replies to Bianca’s queries. He is in a pensive mood. Bianca recognizes the man as the captive peasant who, judging by his mood seems to be in love. Bianca presumes that Isabella may be the peasant’s beloved and they were caught during their romantic elopement. Meanwhile a servant comes to inform that princess Isabella has taken refuge in the St. Nicholas church. Father Jerome communicates Isabella’s message that she wishes to stay at St. Nicholas till her guardian arranges another suitable marriage for her. Manfred reluctantly expresses his desire to marry Isabella and divorce Hippolita to Friar Jerome.

  The next day, the young peasant is taken to the gallows for execution. At the very sight of that, Matilda loses consciousness. Bianca thinks that Matilda is dead. The news of the death of the princess is spread everywhere. Meanwhile, when the peasant knells down to say his last prayer, his shirt slipped down, revealing a mark of a bloody arrow below his shoulder. Jerome instantly recognizes the peasant, as his lost son Theodore. He grovels at Manfred’s feet to pray for his son’s life. But Theodore insists on protecting the princess even at the cost of his life. Suddenly, a trumpet is heard at the gate. Manfred is distressed and terrified when the trampling of the horses is also heard.


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