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“The Monk,” written in 1796, is a shocking Gothic novel that delves into themes of sex, magic, and ghastly violence rarely seen in literature of its time. The story is remarkably modern in style and follows the downfall of Ambrosio, a seemingly holier-than-thou monk seduced within the walls of a Madrid abbey. The narrative unfolds as Ambrosio succumbs to temptation, leading to the utter corruption of his soul. Alongside this, two sets of young lovers face thwarted romances, and the reader is taken on thrilling pursuits through the woods by bandits while being chilled by the spectre of nuns imprisoned in vermin-ridden and skeleton-crowded vaults.
During the late eighteenth century, audiences had polarized opinions about the novel’s merits. While Lord Byron and the Marquis de Sade were impressed by its daring narrative, Samuel Coleridge warned parents against its suitability for their children, describing it as ‘poison for youth.’ Even after over two hundred years, “The Monk” remains a novel that continues to terrify readers.