Two Part Q&A

ONE of THREE MM

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One gothic characteristic that I noticed to be present (but not overbearing) at the beginning and middle of chapter 1 of "The Monk" was the lack of concern for women and their concerns. While it wasn't directly a jeopardizing of a woman's rights, it was clear that Antonia's opinions concerning her veil remaining as a covering in church and her methods of exercising opinion and religion were of no matter to her aunt or those around her. In stating my point directly, Antonia's opinions were in jeopardy at the start which is a bad omen for the story, but very gothic. I believe this introduced her character as a weak one.

Then Ambrosio's character was introduced. I felt strongly that Lewis portrayed him almost as a supernatural presence, powerful as well...but not extremely. In a sense, I felt the following "supernatural" description a gothic trait Lewis completely divulged near the center of chapter 1.

"Tranquility reigned upon his smooth unwrinkled forehead; and Content, expressed upon every feature, seemed to announce the Man equally unacquainted with cares and crimes. He bowed himself with humility to the audience: Still there was a certain severity in his look and manner that inspired universal awe," ( Lewis, chap. 1). 

I would have to agree a strong use of the "supernatural presence" in these chapters. Though the quotes chosen for each of the were different in content, that trait, I feel, voices a strong resemblance between the two. 

Using the British spelling of the term "tranquility" above, Lewis depicts Ambrosio as a peaceful and attractive soul; much described as one who was spiritually far closer to sainthood. In a sense, Lewis exuded this "supernatural" gothic trait so strongly that one would not be aware (unless they had continued to read well into chapters 2 and 3) that Ambrosio was capable of using that very same spiritual and gothic "supernatural presence" to proclaim silent power of a woman's conscience and being in mind control. In his character and description of commanding presence, a reader can tell that his worldly popularity is not the first characteristic Lewis wants us to see; but instead a more favorable one. 

TWO JS of THREE

The Gothic", as defined in Professor Russell's video lecture, is a label created by 18th-century writers in reference to the Goths. The Goths were Germanic people who overran the Roman Empire. To these writers, Gothic meant barbarity, violence, and superstition. Among these, Gothic traits that can be found in literature and drama of that time include mystery, oppression by patriarchal powers, supernatural or improbable influences or characters, and women in jeopardy.

In the following passage from Matthew Lewis’ romance novel, The Monk, several Gothic traits can be found:

“Uttering a loud and terrible cry the Monster plunged into the Gulph, and in his fall attempted to drag Antonia with him. He strove in vain. Animated by supernatural powers She disengaged herself from his embrace; But her white Robe was left in his possession.”

The Gothic traits found in this passage are barbarity, violence, supernatural characters and influences, and a woman in jeopardy. The Monster is the supernatural character that uses barbarity and violence in an attempt to drag Antonia into the Gulph. Antonia, the woman in jeopardy, also uses supernatural powers to free herself from the Monster’s embrace.

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