'The Monk'

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a look at Matthew Lewis' book, 'The Monk'. The paper explores how the book includes and uses many gothic conventions in such a way so as to prove its validity amongst other gothic works of the time. The paper also includes evidence to support the claim that 'The Monk' was influential in creating an important subdivision of gothic literature that still exists today and also uses up to date references to prove the novel's continued relevance.

From the Paper:

"The accusation from many of Lewis' critics that The Monk wallows in excess may initially appear a difficult claim to refute. By its very essence, gothic literature is excessive; a gothic author creates novels infused with intensely malevolent, atmospheric settings and exaggeratedly freakish and dangerous characters in order to instil within the reader a sense of ominous foreboding and fearful anticipation that could not be achieved by the inclusion of the mundane. Yet, even in this genre; one which is founded on the inclusion of the supernatural and the grotesque, Lewis' novel stands out as a work of literature that pushes, from its inception to its denouement, the boundaries of decency and good taste as recognised and accepted by the literary audience of its time."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Lewis, M, (1998); The Monk, Oxford University Press.
• Horner, A & Zlosnik, S (2005); Gothic and the Comic Turn, Palgrave
• Whitlark, J, (2006), Heresy Hunting: 'The Monk' and the French Revolution; Romanticism On The 'Net (Online Journal). http://www.ron.umontreal.ca/ (18th February 2007)
• The Daily Telegraph Online http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/02/20/wnuns20.xml(21st February 2007)

More papers on 'The Monk':

• Analytical Essay # 28891 : "The Monk's Tale"
• Analytical Essay # 65578 : "The Monk"
• Analytical Essay # 47242 : "The Reading and Construction of Antonia in "The Monk"

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