The Mysteries of Udolpho · Chapter
Chapter XXXIV explained
Emily learns from Du Pont that Montoni is suspected of murdering his predecessor's wife.
What happens
Emily learns from Du Pont that Montoni is suspected of murdering his predecessor's wife. Du Pont reveals he used the secret passage to frighten Montoni and his guests. Emily plans to retire to a convent in Languedoc and hopes to recover her aunt's estates for herself and Valancourt. She travels with Du Pont and Ludovico toward Pisa, enjoying the Tuscan landscape. Later, Ludovico arranges a meeting between Emily and a prisoner she believes is Valancourt, but when she meets him, she discovers it is a stranger and faints.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Separation
Emily's longing for Valancourt and the emotional reunion she anticipates highlight the theme of love enduring separation.
The Supernatural and the Unknown
Du Pont's use of a disguised voice to frighten Montoni and the mysterious fate of Montoni's predecessor's wife evoke supernatural elements.
Female Agency and Vulnerability
Emily plans her own future by choosing a convent and seeking to recover her estates, yet she remains vulnerable to Montoni's threats and the dangers of the castle.
Characters to notice
- Emily St. Aubert
Emily converses with Du Pont about Montoni's crimes, plans to retire to a convent, and later anxiously awaits a meeting with the prisoner she believes is Valancourt.
- Monsieur Du Pont
Du Pont reveals his role in frightening Montoni and his guests, discusses the possibility of recovering Emily's estates, and travels with her toward Pisa.
- Ludovico
Ludovico helps Emily by visiting the prisoner, delivering a miniature portrait, and arranging a secret meeting in the corridor.
- Valancourt
Valancourt is the prisoner Emily believes she will meet; he sends her a miniature portrait as a pledge of his affection.
- Montoni
Montoni is discussed as a suspected murderer and is engaged in carousals with his guests during the chapter.
- Annette
Annette accompanies Ludovico to the corridor and is present during Emily's anxious wait.
Key passages
“I doubted it before the period I am speaking of, rejoined Du Pont;—'but some circumstances, mentioned by Montoni, greatly contributed to my suspicions. The account I then heard, almost convinced me, that he was a murderer.'”
Du Pont tells Emily that Montoni's own words made him suspect Montoni was a murderer.
Du Pont explains how Montoni's story led him to believe Montoni killed his predecessor's wife.
“Tell her, that this has been my companion, and only solace in all my misfortunes. Tell her, that I have worn it next my heart, and that I sent it her as the pledge of an affection, which can never die; that I would not part with it, but to her, for the wealth of worlds, and that I now part with it, only in the hope of soon receiving it from her hands.”
Valancourt sends Emily a miniature portrait of herself, saying it has been his comfort in prison and a symbol of his undying love.
Valancourt's message through Ludovico conveys his enduring affection and hope for reunion.
“O, Valancourt! said she, after all I have suffered; after our long, long separation, when I thought I should never—never see you more—we are still to meet again! O! I have endured grief, and anxiety, and terror, and let me, then, not sink beneath this joy!”
Emily exclaims in joy at the prospect of seeing Valancourt again after their long separation and her many hardships.
Emily's emotional outburst reflects her overwhelming happiness at the thought of reuniting with Valancourt.
