# Chapter XXXV explained — The Mysteries of Udolpho

> Chapter companion for The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysteries_of_udolpho_se/chapters/xxxv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysteries_of_udolpho_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysteries_of_udolpho_se/chapters