The Mysteries of Udolpho · Chapter
Chapter V explained
St.
What happens
St. Aubert, Emily, and Valancourt become lost while walking in the Pyrenees. They encounter a shepherd's family who have been robbed by gipsies. Valancourt selflessly gives nearly all his money to help them, earning St. Aubert's praise. The group enjoys a sublime mountain landscape before descending to Arles, where they must part ways the next morning.
Themes in this chapter
The Sublime and Landscape
The chapter vividly describes the majestic Pyrenees, with towering crags, snowy peaks, and a panoramic view that evokes both beauty and terror, exemplifying the sublime.
Virtue and Self-Command
Valancourt's selfless act of giving his money to the shepherd family, despite his own limited resources, demonstrates virtue and self-command, earning St. Aubert's admiration.
Characters to notice
- Emily St. Aubert
Sings to comfort her father, gives money to the shepherd's wife, and feels melancholy about the impending separation from Valancourt.
- Valancourt
Shows deep compassion by giving nearly all his money to the impoverished shepherd family; experiences a light heart and is praised by St. Aubert.
- St. Aubert
Reflects on his lost sons and wife, gives money to the shepherd's wife, and offers a heartfelt compliment to Valancourt on his benevolence.
Key passages
“Valancourt had seldom felt his heart so light as at this moment; his gay spirits danced with pleasure; every object around him appeared more interesting, or beautiful, than before.”
Valancourt felt unusually joyful and lighthearted after his generous act, and the world seemed more beautiful to him.
Highlights the emotional reward of virtuous action.
“What pity that the wealthy, who can command such sunshine, should ever pass their days in gloom—in the cold shade of selfishness!”
It is a shame that rich people, who could enjoy such beautiful scenery, instead live in misery because of their selfishness.
St. Aubert contrasts the wealth of nature with the poverty of selfishness.