# Chapter XVII explained — The Mysteries of Udolpho > Chapter companion for The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe. ## What happens Montoni threatens Emily with forced marriage to Count Morano, while Emily resists and seeks support from her relatives. The chapter also reveals Orsino's criminal activities and his concealment at Montoni's house, heightening the tension and danger surrounding Emily. ## Themes in this chapter ### Female Agency and Vulnerability Emily is subjected to intense pressure from Montoni, Morano, and her relatives to marry against her will, highlighting her lack of autonomy and the vulnerability of women in a patriarchal society. ### Oppression and Imprisonment Montoni's threats and the forced marriage plot represent a form of emotional and psychological imprisonment for Emily, as she is trapped by the power of her guardians. ### Avarice and Corruption Montoni's willingness to use Emily as a pawn for his own gain, and Monsieur Quesnel's ambition for a noble connection, illustrate the corrupting influence of greed and social ambition. ## Character check-ins ### Emily St. Aubert Emily is pressured by Montoni to marry Count Morano, but she steadfastly refuses. She seeks help from her aunt and Monsieur Quesnel, but finds no support. She resolves to maintain her fortitude and resist the marriage. ### Montoni Montoni threatens Emily with severe punishment if she refuses to marry Morano. He also harbors the criminal Orsino in his house, showing his involvement with dangerous figures. ### Madame Montoni Madame Montoni shows brief compassion for Emily but ultimately sides with Montoni, reproaching Emily for her refusal and bringing bridal ornaments from the Count. ### Count Morano Count Morano persists in his suit for Emily, using insinuating arts to win her over. He sends bridal ornaments and plans to marry her the next morning. ### Monsieur Quesnel Monsieur Quesnel rebukes Emily for rejecting Morano, expressing resentment and threatening to abandon her. He is motivated by ambition for a noble connection. ### Signor Orsino Orsino is a criminal who has committed murder and seeks refuge at Montoni's house. His presence delays the marriage plans temporarily. ### Cavigni Cavigni is among those admitted to Montoni's midnight councils, indicating his involvement in Montoni's secret affairs. ### Signor Verezzi Verezzi is also present at Montoni's secret councils, suggesting his complicity in Montoni's schemes. ## Key lines > my will; if you can elude that, I will not inquire by what right you do so. I now remind you, for the last time, that you are a stranger, in a foreign country, and that it is your interest to make me your friend; you know the means; if you compel me to become your enemy⁠—I will venture to tell you, that the punishment shall exceed your expectation. Montoni warns Emily that if she defies his will, he will punish her severely, reminding her that she is alone in a foreign land and should comply with his demands. _Montoni's threat underscores his absolute control over Emily and the danger she faces._ > A Venetian nobleman, who had, on some late occasion, provoked the hatred of Orsino, had been waylaid and poniarded by hired assassins: and, as the murdered person was of the first connections, the Senate had taken up the affair. Orsino had hired assassins to murder a nobleman who had angered him, and because the victim was well-connected, the Venetian Senate was investigating the crime. _This reveals Orsino's violent criminality and the serious legal trouble he is in._ > Emily saw at once in his manner all the difficulties, that awaited her, and, though no oppression could have power to make her renounce Valancourt for Morano, her fortitude now trembled at an encounter with the violent passions of her uncle. Emily realized from Monsieur Quesnel's behavior how much opposition she would face, and while she would never give up Valancourt for Morano, she feared her uncle's anger. _Emily's internal conflict between her love for Valancourt and the pressure from her family is highlighted._ > She did not go down to supper, but remained alone in her apartment, sometimes yielding to the influence of grief and terror, and, at others, endeavouring to fortify her mind against them, and to prepare herself to meet, with composed courage, the scene of the following morning. Emily stayed in her room, alternating between despair and attempts to strengthen her resolve for the forced marriage ceremony the next day. _Emily's emotional struggle and determination to face the crisis with courage are depicted._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysteries_of_udolpho_se/chapters/xvii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysteries_of_udolpho_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysteries_of_udolpho_se/chapters