The Mysteries of Udolpho · Chapter
Chapter XXXIII explained
Emily, after a night of terror, resolves to compromise with Montoni and sign over her estates in exchange for freedom, only to be betrayed when Montoni reneges on his promise.
What happens
Emily, after a night of terror, resolves to compromise with Montoni and sign over her estates in exchange for freedom, only to be betrayed when Montoni reneges on his promise. She confides in Ludovico about escaping and asks him to search for Valancourt among the prisoners. That night, she overhears a dispute between Verezzi and Bertolini over her, flees through dark passages, and finds herself near the mysterious chamber, terrified by a light within.
Themes in this chapter
Oppression and Imprisonment
Emily is trapped in Udolpho, forced to sign away her estates under duress, and remains a prisoner despite Montoni's broken promise.
Female Agency and Vulnerability
Emily's limited power is highlighted as she is deceived, pursued by men, and must rely on Ludovico for help; her attempts at self-determination are thwarted.
Avarice and Corruption
Montoni's greed drives him to trick Emily into signing over her estates, and his moral corruption is evident in his broken oath and association with dissolute men.
Characters to notice
- Emily St. Aubert
Resolves to sign over her estates to Montoni, then is betrayed; confides in Ludovico about escape and Valancourt; flees from Verezzi and Bertolini.
- Montoni
Deceives Emily into signing over her estates, then refuses to let her leave immediately; later appears intoxicated during a dispute with Verezzi and Bertolini.
- Ludovico
Offers to guard Emily's chamber; discusses escape plans with her and agrees to search for Valancourt among the prisoners.
- Valancourt
Emily hopes he is a prisoner in the castle and asks Ludovico to search for him; she refrains from mentioning his name to Montoni.
- Signor Verezzi
Disputes with Bertolini over Emily; pursues her through the dark gallery after Montoni leaves.
- Signor Bertolini
Disputes with Verezzi over Emily; stumbles and falls while pursuing her, allowing Emily to escape.
Key passages
“I find, said he, that you were not in your chamber, last night; where were you?”
Montoni questions Emily about her absence from her room the previous night.
Montoni confronts Emily after her escape from Verezzi.
“It was necessary to deceive you, said he—there was no other way of making you act reasonably; you shall go, but it must not be at present.”
Montoni admits he tricked Emily into signing the paper and refuses to let her leave immediately.
Montoni's betrayal of his promise to let Emily go.
“Where is she? Signor, said he, in a voice of impatience: tell us where she is.”
Verezzi impatiently demands to know Emily's location from Montoni.
Verezzi's pursuit of Emily escalates as he confronts Montoni.