The Mysteries of Udolpho · Chapter
Chapter XXVIII explained
Emily tends to the dying Madame Montoni, persuades Montoni to allow her removal to her own apartment, and later requests permission to return to France, which Montoni refuses.
What happens
Emily tends to the dying Madame Montoni, persuades Montoni to allow her removal to her own apartment, and later requests permission to return to France, which Montoni refuses. She observes the banditti-like behavior of Montoni's men and reflects on the nature of the condottieri.
Themes in this chapter
Oppression and Imprisonment
Emily is trapped in the castle, denied freedom to leave, and subjected to Montoni's absolute will.
Grief and Melancholy
Emily's sorrow over her aunt's dying condition and her own hopeless situation pervades the chapter.
Female Agency and Vulnerability
Emily's attempts to advocate for her aunt and herself are met with Montoni's dominance, highlighting her limited power.
Characters to notice
- Emily St. Aubert
Tends to her dying aunt, pleads with Montoni for her comfort, and requests to return to France.
- Montoni
Reluctantly allows Madame Montoni's removal, refuses Emily's request to leave, and is depicted as a cold, calculating leader of banditti-like men.
- Madame Montoni
Lies dying in the turret; is moved to her own apartment but remains in a critical state.
- Annette
Assists Emily in preparing Madame Montoni's bed and cordial, and is left to watch over her at night.
- Signor Orsino
Discusses plans with Montoni and is opposed by Verezzi.
- Cavigni
Present among Montoni's officers in the cedar room.
Key passages
“Madame Montoni is now dying, sir, said Emily, as soon as she saw him—Your resentment, surely will not pursue her to the last moment! Suffer her to be removed from that forlorn room to her own apartment, and to have necessary comforts administered.”
Emily implores Montoni to allow her dying aunt to be moved to a more comfortable room and receive proper care.
Emily's plea for compassion in the face of Montoni's indifference.
“I can no longer remain here with propriety, sir, said she, and I may be allowed to ask, by what right you detain me.”
Emily asserts that her stay at the castle is no longer proper and questions Montoni's authority to keep her there.
Emily's attempt to assert her agency and challenge Montoni's control.
“The revenues of the many states of Italy being, at that time, insufficient to the support of standing armies, even during the short periods, which the turbulent habits both of the governments and the people permitted to pass in peace, an order of men arose not known in our age, and but faintly described in the history of their own.”
Due to insufficient funds for permanent armies, a class of mercenary soldiers known as condottieri emerged in Italy, operating outside the usual social order.
Historical explanation of the condottieri and their role in Italian warfare.