The Castle of Otranto

by Horace Walpole

The Castle of Otranto: Foil 1 key example

Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Manfred and Jerome:

Walpole places the characters Father Jerome, a devout, generous and kindly friar, and Prince Manfred, a proud, headstrong and cruel tyrant, in direct opposition to one another. By making them foils for each other in this way, he highlights the worst part of Manfred's character and makes the best of Jerome's seem even better. Jerome is depicted as a:

[...] good man, with an air of firmness and authority, that daunted even the resolute Manfred.

Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Manfred and Jerome:

Walpole places the characters Father Jerome, a devout, generous and kindly friar, and Prince Manfred, a proud, headstrong and cruel tyrant, in direct opposition to one another. By making them foils for each other in this way, he highlights the worst part of Manfred's character and makes the best of Jerome's seem even better. Jerome is depicted as a:

[...] good man, with an air of firmness and authority, that daunted even the resolute Manfred.

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