Women in The Castle of Otranto

Though women are necessary to society's production of offspring, a female's responsibility to produce a male heir for her male counterpart is crucial to the success of their union. in Hippolita's case, her inability to produce a living male heir to survive her husband's legacy "forces" him to seek another fertile producer in Isabella. Though Hippolita, described by Warpole as an "amiable lady" fulfills her physical and emotional duty to Manfred, her role as his wife is overshadowed by her "own sterility, who had given him but one heir" (14). Conrad's death not only further shuns Matilda's existance as Manfred's daughter, but also Hippolita's position as his wife-- Manfred determines Isabella will become the bearer of his long awaited son. Though these options may appear irrational in modern times, a noble's responsibility to carry on his name is essential to the family's legacy-- without a male heir, the title will shift to another family. The kingdom built will soon be forgotten and dissolve in another family's hands. Women, such as Hippolita, Matilda, and Isabella, only have the option to marry whom their father deems a suitable match. The other option, which Hippolita questions taking toward the end of the novel is to retire to the church of Saint Nicholas as a nun. It is understandable to see why families are politically matched to help out one another. Manfred sees hope in offering Matilda to Frederick after superstition of losing his kingdom strikes. Marriage enables both the male and female's families to come together favorably. The prominant male characters, Manfred and Theodore, have very different views concerning women during the time period. Manfred solely sees women a a producer and is only favorable to their ability to have a male heir. He is quick to let go of any emotional connection to Hippolita and Matilda after Manfred's death. However, Theodore offers Isabella to "die in her defense" to help her escape from Manfred's wrath-- he asks for nothing in return (26). It is interesting that a man who comes from wealth and great fortune is hesitant to offer loyalty and help, but a peasant with seeming origins of little offers his whole self. Though Theodore is of noble descent, his journey to the Castle of Otranto may have taught him how valuable love and loyalty might be. Warpole effectively exposes the multifaceted outlooks of women during the time period. He notes the despair of Isabella to offer herself to both Conrad and Manfred, Matilda and Hippolita's loyalty to please Manfred, and Theodore's refreshing view to help the Damsels in distress. His emotional love for Matilda, even after her death, is very much contrasted to Manfred's quick dismissal of women. Warpole implies women may be at a disadvantage to men , but without their existance, man seems to have nothing.