The Mysteries of Udolpho · Chapter
Chapter XXXV explained
The narrative shifts to Languedoc, introducing Count De Villefort, who inherits Château-le-Blanc from the Marquis de Villeroi.
What happens
The narrative shifts to Languedoc, introducing Count De Villefort, who inherits Château-le-Blanc from the Marquis de Villeroi. The Count decides to spend autumn there despite his wife's objections. His daughter Blanche, emerging from a convent, is enchanted by the natural beauty, while the Countess remains disdainful. The family arrives at the decaying château, and Blanche explores the grounds, experiencing profound awe and devotion.
Themes in this chapter
The Sublime and Landscape
Blanche's awe at the moonlit sea, mountains, and woods exemplifies the sublime power of nature to inspire devotion and wonder.
Female Agency and Vulnerability
Blanche's liberation from the convent and her independent exploration of the château contrast with the Countess's passive discontent and reliance on Parisian society.
Grief and Melancholy
The decaying château and the memory of St. Aubert's emotional reaction to the place evoke a sense of loss and melancholy.
Characters to notice
- Count De Villefort
Inherits Château-le-Blanc and resolves to spend autumn there, overriding his wife's protests.
- Blanche
The Count's daughter, recently released from a convent, is deeply moved by the natural scenery and feels a newfound sense of devotion.
- Countess De Villefort
The current Countess, who laments leaving Paris and disparages the château as a 'barbarous spot.'
- Henri
The Count's son, who sighs for Paris and a lost love but finds some novelty in the new surroundings.
- St. Aubert
Mentioned in recollection: he was deeply affected when near Château-le-Blanc years earlier.
- Marquis de Villeroi
Deceased relative of the Count, whose austere character and reserved manners kept him distant from the family.
- Mademoiselle Bearn
Attends the Countess and withdraws with her to her apartment.
Key passages
“Oh! the joy Of young ideas painted on the mind In the warm glowing colours fancy spreads On objects not yet known, when all is new, And all is lovely!”
The delight of youthful imagination, which colors unknown things with bright and lovely hues.
Opening epigraph from 'Sacred Dramas' sets the tone for Blanche's fresh perceptions.
“The soft and shadowy tint, that overspread the scene, the waves, undulating in the moonlight, and their low and measured murmurs on the beach, were circumstances, that united to elevate the unaccustomed mind of Blanche to enthusiasm.”
The gentle twilight, moonlit waves, and soft sounds of the sea filled Blanche with an intense, almost spiritual excitement.
Blanche's sublime experience of nature contrasts with the Countess's disdain.
“What a dismal place is this!... Surely, my lord, you do not mean to pass all the autumn in this barbarous spot!”
The Countess complains that the château is gloomy and uncivilized, expressing her reluctance to stay.
Highlights the Countess's aversion to the rustic setting and her longing for Paris.