The Mysteries of Udolpho

The Mysteries of Udolpho is a Gothic romance by Ann Radcliffe, published in four volumes in 1794. Considered one of the most popular novels of the 18th century, The Mysteries of Udolpho is an important text of the Gothic genre. The novel is notable for its use of psychological terror and its nuanced portrayal of the supernatural. The novel follows the fortunes of 20-year-old Frenchwoman Emily St. Aubert after she is orphaned and confined to the charge of her aunt. Her aunt’s new husband, Montoni, separates Emily from her beloved Valancourt and confines the women to the dark and foreboding Castle of Udolpho, beset with mysteries and supernatural occurrences. Emily must now navigate her new circumstances, reunite with Valancourt, and find a rational explanation for the supernatural. The book ends with Emily regaining her autonomy and happiness. Featuring staples of the Gothic genre, such as a mysterious castle, locked doors, dark passages, and strange sightings, the novel is also a deep exploration of important questions around power and gender dynamics.

This study guide follows the Penguin Classics Kindle version.

Plot Summary

Emily lives in the beautiful chateau La Vallee with her loving parents, Monsieur and Madame St. Aubert. After Madame St. Aubert passes away due to a sudden illness, St. Aubert and Emily take a trip to the Mediterranean Sea for his health. On their way, they encounter the valiant and sensitive Valancourt. Emily and Valancourt fall in love. St. Aubert approves of their relationship, but dies leaving Emily in the care of his sister, the widow Madame Cheron. Madame Cheron marries Montoni, a haughty and cruel man who disapproves of Valancourt and Emily’s relationship. He makes them part and moves his new family to Venice in Italy, where he encourages his friend Count Morano to court Emily against her will.

When Montoni learns Morano may not have as much money as he professed, he abruptly moves Emily and Madame Montoni to the Castle of Udolpho in the Apennine mountains of Italy. Morano follows them and tries to kidnap Emily. Montoni and his men rescue Emily and throw Morano out, dismissing his proposal of marriage. Meanwhile, Montoni’s behavior toward his new wife worsens; he pressures her to sign over her estates to him so he can pay off his debts. Emily’s only friend in Udolpho is Annette, Madame Montoni’s former housekeeper. Strange occurrences take place at Udolpho, frightening Emily. The castle’s former owner, Signora Laurentini or the “lady of Udolpho,” is believed to have died by suicide 20 years ago. The castle is said to be haunted by Signora Laurentini’s ghost.

Since Madame Montoni refuses to give over her estates to Montoni, he imprisons her. Madame Montoni dies, leaving her estate to Emily. Montoni now pressures Emily to sign over the estates. Emily initially refuses, but when Montoni hints he will allow his friends to violate Emily if she does not acquiesce, Emily is forced to sign the papers. Imprisoned in Udolpho, Emily eventually escapes with the help of Annette, Annette’s lover Ludovico, and a man called Du Pont hiding in the dungeons of Udolpho. The group heads to France in a ship and gets lost in a storm. They land up on the shore near Chateau-Le-Blanc, owned by Count de Villefort.

Count de Villefort offers Emily sanctuary. She strikes up a friendship with his daughter, Blanche. Valancourt visits Emily at the chateau. The count informs Emily that Valancourt has been indulging in gambling and debauchery in Paris while she was away. Heartbroken, Emily breaks up with Valancourt. Du Pont, who has been in love with Emily for a long time, proposes to her. She refuses but the count asks her to reconsider. Supernatural occurrences continue at the count’s chateau. It is rumored the chateau is haunted by the ghost of the Marchioness de Villeroi, the former owner of the estate. She bore a striking resemblance to Emily.

Emily visits the nearby convent to clear her head. She meets a nun called Sister Agnes, who later dies, leaving Emily much of her private property. It is revealed that Sister Agnes was the Lady of Udolpho. She faked her death and came to France to poison her former lover’s wife, the Marchioness. After the death of the Marchioness, Agnes lost her composure and joined the convent. Emily looks like the Marchioness because she was her aunt, St. Aubert’s sister. Agnes left her property to the closest heir of the Marchioness, who happens to be Emily.

In Udolpho, the authorities seize Montoni, rumored to be a robber. Montoni dies in prison, leaving Emily the sole heir to Madame Montoni’s estate. Count de Villefort receives intelligence that some of the rumors about Valancourt were untrue. Though he did indulge in gambling, he has since repented and reformed. Emily and Valancourt reunite and marry. Emily returns to La Vallee and gives part of her money to Annette and Ludovico.