ENG 309: British Literature 1600-1800: Response Horace Walpole’s published the first Gothic novel, “Castle of Otranto,” in 1764. “Castle of Otranto” is a dramatic and dark novel featuring several elements such as heroines, supernatural occurrences, and extreme weather. Most importantly, it reflects the role and treatment of women in the 18th century. The plot of … More Castle of Otranto: Matilda’s Preventable Death