The Haunted Hotel Literary Elements

A sensational novel

The events take place in the middle of the 19th century in England and in Italy.

The development of the plot is revealed by the third person omniscient.

The tone is tense, and the mood is suspenseful.

The protagonist is Agnes Lockwood, and the antagonist is Countess Narona.

The main conflict of the novel is of supernatural character. The Lord Montbarry’s death is surrounded by mystery and secrecy, and through the development of the events these two issues are attempted to be disclosed.

The climax is achieved in the very end of the novel, when Henry Westwick becomes convinced that the found dead head had belonged to his brother, Lord Montbarry.

The reticence, uncertainty and ambiguity of Countess Narona’s words provide foreshadowing effect through the entire novel.

The relationships between Lord Montbarry and Countess Narona are understated, and lack clarity.

The novel alludes to Vanice with its buildings, palazzos, squares and famous works of art, as Michelangelo’s and other famous Italian painters’.

The images of characters are given in details.

The main paradox of the novel is the fact that only blood relatives of Lord Montbarry felt themselves worried in the room, in which Lord had died.

In the first part of the novel the events are given in two parallels – those that take place in England, and other take place in Italy.

“Doctor Wybrow lit his cigar, and looked round him at his brethren in social conclave assembled.” (“social conclave” is a metonymy for the members of the club)

“Even in London the sun, on that summer afternoon, was dazzlingly bright. The radiant light flowed in on her. Her eyes met it unflinchingly, with the steely steadiness of the eyes of an eagle. The smooth pallor of her unwrinkled skin looked more fearfully white than ever.” (Contess’s eyes are personified)