The Mysteries of Udolpho · Chapter
Chapter VIII explained
Emily returns to La Vallée after her father's death, grappling with grief and memories.
What happens
Emily returns to La Vallée after her father's death, grappling with grief and memories. She stays at the convent of St. Clair, where St. Aubert is buried, and receives a cold letter from her aunt Madame Cheron. She visits La Voisin's family before departing.
Themes in this chapter
Grief and Melancholy
Emily's profound sorrow over her father's death dominates the chapter, from her return to La Vallée to her lingering illness at the convent.
Virtue and Self-Command
Emily strives to practice the fortitude her father taught, resisting sorrow and maintaining composure during the funeral and her return home.
Love and Separation
Emily's memory of Valancourt and her hope of seeing him again influence her decision to leave the convent, highlighting the theme of love amidst loss.
Characters to notice
- Emily St. Aubert
Emily returns to La Vallée, mourning her father and recalling his lessons. She struggles with melancholy but finds some solace at the convent.
- St. Aubert
Deceased; his remains are interred at the convent of St. Clair. Emily frequently remembers his teachings and their shared moments.
- Theresa
The old housekeeper greets Emily at La Vallée, expressing grief and mentioning Manchon's search for St. Aubert.
- Madame Cheron
Emily's aunt sends a cold, commonplace letter of condolence and a servant to escort her, neglecting her duty as guardian.
- Valancourt
Remembered by Emily; his image influences her decision to return to the world rather than become a nun.
- La Voisin
The kind old man who assisted Emily and St. Aubert; Emily visits his family to take leave and thank them.
Key passages
“There! there are the very cliffs, there the wood of pines, which he looked at with such delight, as we passed this road together for the last time.”
Emily points out the cliffs and pine forest that her father admired during their final journey together.
Emily's grief is triggered by familiar landscapes that remind her of St. Aubert.
“His body is buried in peace, and his soul returns to Him that gave it.”
The funeral service declares that St. Aubert's body rests peacefully and his soul returns to God.
These words from the burial service bring Emily some solace, softening her anguish into tears.
“It was the remembrance of Valancourt, of his taste, his genius, and of the countenance which glowed with both, that, perhaps, alone determined her to return to the world.”
Emily's memory of Valancourt's character and appearance may be the sole reason she decides not to become a nun.
Valancourt's influence subtly guides Emily's choice to re-engage with life rather than retreat to the cloister.