022 - Chapter XI part 2

Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)