The Mysteries of Udolpho

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1794

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Volume 1, Chapters 1-5

Volume 1, Chapters 6-13

Volume 2, Chapters 1-6

Volume 2, Chapters 7-12

Volume 3, Chapters 1-6

Volume 3, Chapters 7-13

Volume 4, Chapters 1-7

Volume 4, Chapters 8-12

Volume 4, Chapters 13-19

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

The narrative is mainly set in three locations: La Vallee, Udolpho, and the Chateau-la-Blanc. How do the three differ from each other? What is Emily’s state of mind in each space? How does each setting help illustrate the novel’s key themes?

Consider the role of the supernatural in the text. How does it function symbolically, narratively, and/or thematically?

What role do secrets play in furthering the plot? How do these secrets tie into the novel’s themes and characterizations? What is the relationship between secrets and the Gothic more generally?