Gothic Tale

While I was reading The Hidden Hand I discovered that not only is this considered a children's novel but it is a Gothic story. Elements of Gothic can be seen throughout the first 50 pages that we read and create this aspect. From the scenery to the odd number 3, aspects of Gothic literature can be found within this story.

The scenery really lets the reader know from the beginning that it is a Gothic tale. The description of Hurricane Hall is so dark when Southworth says "a large old family mansion, built of dark-red sandstone, in one of the loneliest and wildest of the mountain regions of Virgina"(151). The description of Devil's Hoof and the violent weather are all dark and create an eery feeling for the reader. This type of setting creates a Gothic tale in which there is a creepy sense from the beginning.

The talk of witches and villains also help create this type of story. The paranormal and twisted stories of which Nancy Grewell tells heightens the mood in this story and puts a scare in the audience. The secrets that are not reveal also create a mystery for which the audience long for.

Another Gothic aspect is the damsel in distress that needs to be rescued. This happens when Old Hurricane goes to the city to rescue poor Capitola and bring her back to live with him. She is a poor, young, innocent girl with her life in danger that needs rescuing by a rich old man. While hearing Capitola plead her case in the court room, Old Hurricane can't help but to save her. He tells the judge, "Then, sir, I, Ira Warfield, of Hurricane Hall, in Virginia, present myself as the guardian of this girl, Capitola Black, whom I claim as my ward" (180). He has saved her from prison and from dying on the streets.

Lastly, Gothic stories are known for having the number 3 in them as a sign of evil. The number 3 is mentions numerous times throughout the story from groups of people to number of suitcases. Old Hurricane, Capitola, and Herbert travel together in a group of three. There is a mention of "Only three times in all these years had Herbert found time and means to come down and see them, and that was long ago"(189). Capitola has three suitcases filled with all new clothes from Old Hurricane.

All of these elements and aspects reminded me of a Gothic tale and left the reader with mystery.