Melmoth the Wanderer · Chapter
XXXV explained
Isidora, secretly married to Melmoth and pregnant, faces the return of her father Aliaga and her betrothed Montilla, who plan a bridal festival.
What happens
Isidora, secretly married to Melmoth and pregnant, faces the return of her father Aliaga and her betrothed Montilla, who plan a bridal festival. Melmoth warns her of the impending danger and later attempts to flee with her, but her brother Fernan confronts them and is killed by Melmoth. Isidora collapses in despair, and Melmoth escapes, declaring he will never tempt woman again.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Isidora's devotion to Melmoth leads her to endure the horrors of a forced marriage and ultimately sacrifice her family ties.
Temptation and Faith
Melmoth's supernatural allure tempts Isidora, who places her faith in him despite the consequences.
Supernatural and the Gothic
Melmoth's preternatural power and the Gothic atmosphere of the festival and duel underscore the novel's supernatural elements.
Characters to notice
- Doña Isidora
Secretly married to Melmoth and pregnant, she endures the preparations for her forced nuptials to Montilla and ultimately witnesses her brother's death.
- John Melmoth
Melmoth the Wanderer, Isidora's secret husband, warns her of danger, kills her brother Fernan in a duel, and escapes, vowing never to tempt woman again.
- Don Fernan di Aliaga
Isidora's brother, who confronts Melmoth during the escape attempt and is killed.
- Don Gregorio Montilla
Isidora's betrothed, a cold and quiet character who takes things as they occur.
- Francisco di Aliaga
Isidora's father, who returns to arrange her nuptials and is stupefied by the tragedy.
- Doña Clara
Isidora's mother, who faints upon realizing the truth of Isidora's secret marriage.
Key passages
“Isidora heard, felt, endured all with courage—the grave congratulation of her father and mother—the self-complacent attentions of Montilla, sure of the bride and of her dower—the sullen compliance of the brother, who, unable to refuse his consent, was forever hinting that his sister might have formed a higher connection.”
Isidora bravely endured the congratulations of her parents, the smug attentions of Montilla, and her brother's resentful hints that she could have married better.
Isidora's internal strength amidst external pressures.
“Melmoth, as she spoke, was profoundly silent, and deeply attentive. He said at last, 'Do you then resign yourself to me?' 'Alas! have I not?'”
Melmoth listened silently and then asked if she surrendered herself to him, to which she replied that she already had.
Melmoth's manipulative control over Isidora's devotion.
“The light of the torches, which the trembling servants held up to gaze on him, fell full on his countenance, and the voices of a few shuddering speakers exclaimed, 'Melmoth the wanderer!'”
The torchlight revealed Melmoth's face, and horrified onlookers recognized him as the Wanderer.
The revelation of Melmoth's identity as the legendary wanderer.