The Monk · Chapter
Chapter V explained
Lorenzo visits Elvira to discuss his intentions toward Antonia, but Elvira insists on waiting for his uncle's consent.
What happens
Lorenzo visits Elvira to discuss his intentions toward Antonia, but Elvira insists on waiting for his uncle's consent. She shares her fears about the prioress of St. Clare's character and warns Lorenzo about Agnes's danger. Lorenzo then goes to the convent with a papal bull demanding Agnes's release, but the prioress falsely claims Agnes has died. Elvira later reads Lorenzo a poem about exile, and Leonella's letter reveals their address.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The prioress feigns grief and claims Agnes died, while Lorenzo sees through her hypocrisy.
Gender and Power
Elvira's warnings about the prioress's authority highlight the power dynamics within the convent and over women's lives.
Innocence and Corruption
Elvira's story of exile contrasts the innocence of home with the corruption of forced displacement.
Characters to notice
- Don Lorenzo
Visits Elvira to discuss marriage to Antonia, then goes to St. Clare's convent with a papal bull to free Agnes.
- Elvira
Receives Lorenzo, warns him about the prioress, and shares her own painful experiences of exile.
- Antonia
Present during Lorenzo's visit, blushes and shows emotion at his presence.
- Leonella
Disappointed that Don Christoval did not accompany Lorenzo; later writes a letter revealing their address.
- Donna Agnes
The prioress falsely claims she died on Friday, but Lorenzo does not believe it.
- Don Raymond
Mentioned as sending a message through Lorenzo to Elvira.
Key passages
“I tremble for your sister; I have heard many traits of the domina of St. Clare's character, from a friend who was educated in the same convent with her. She reported her to be haughty, inflexible, superstitious, and revengeful.”
Elvira warns Lorenzo that the prioress is proud, stubborn, superstitious, and vengeful.
Elvira's warning about the prioress's character.
“This order is positive; Willingly would I obey it; but unfortunately it is out of my power.”
The prioress claims she cannot obey the papal bull.
The prioress's refusal to release Agnes.
“You deceive me! But five minutes passed since you assured me that though ill she was still alive.”
Lorenzo accuses the prioress of lying about Agnes's death.
Lorenzo's disbelief at the prioress's claim.