In her late eighteenth century novel that was formative in creating the Gothic genre that remains highly popular. Although mild by 21st century standards, The Old English Baron did contain enough supernatural content concerning Sir Philip Harclay's adventures and struggles with the supernatural to attract a large readership when it was published, and these same attributes still attract readers today. This paper provides a personal reaction to this novel, on its own, followed by a discussion concerning what this author thought of Reeve's relatively low-intensity supernatural descriptions. Finally, an analysis concerning whether the plot resolution can be regarded as comedy or a heroic romance is followed by a summary of the research and salient findings concerning these issues in the conclusion.Q1. How did you react to The Old English Baron, on its own?

Answer No. 1: Overall, I enjoyed reading this story despite its excessive verbosity and flowery verbiage, which of course would go on to become fundamental attributes of the Gothic genre. There was an abundance of detailed descriptions and colorful character development that helps motivate readers to not only continue reading, but to learn more about this romantic period in history through additional outside research. In addition, the fictionalized historical aspects of the storyline were especially entertaining and helped provide the plot with the credibility intended by Reeves.

Answer No. 2: Even on its own and without the author's preface as well as her dedication and "address to the reader" in the appendixes...

Even in the face of seemingly overwhelming adversity, including the deaths of many of the people he held most dear such as his childhood friend, Arthur Lord Lovel, Sir Philip Harclay remains undaunted but even more significantly, he remains unswervingly polite, dignified and mannerly throughout the entire ordeal irrespective of the circumstances in the true spirit of chivalry. In fact, most of the characters, particularly Edmund, positively ooze with the politeness that was characteristic of the medieval court and the realistic mannerisms and vernacular that Reeves employs makes the story all the more compelling. In sum, the redemptive and "they-lived-happily-ever-after" aspects of the ending were more than worth the effort to reach.
Q2. What did you think of Reeve's relatively low-intensity supernatural in The Old English Baron?

Answer No. 1: As supernatural events go, the lordly ghost was in fact a relatively low-intensity supernatural account that was stereotypical of hauntings caused by vengeful spirits. For instance, Reeves writes: "Soon after, it was reported that the castle was haunted, and that the ghosts of Lord and Lady Lovel had been seen by several of the servants. Whoever went into this apartment were terrified by uncommon noises, and strange appearances; at length this apartment was wholly shut up, and the servants were forbid to enter it, or to talk of anything relating to it" (29).

Moreover, even the several encounters…