57 pages • 1 hour read
Matthew LewisThe Monk: A Romance
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1796A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Monk follows the moral downfall of Ambrosio, a celebrated Capuchin monk in 18th-century Madrid, who becomes entangled in a web of deception, supernatural occurrences, and forbidden desires, ultimately leading to his complete spiritual ruin. The narrative intertwines his sinister journey with the romantic adventures of noblemen Don Lorenzo and Don Raymond. The book includes depictions of sexual assault and incest.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Matthew Lewis' The Monk is celebrated for its provocative themes and compelling Gothic elements, capturing readers with its dark and eerie narrative. While the vivid storytelling and intense atmosphere receive praises, some critics find its melodrama and moral ambiguity less appealing. This polarizing novel intrigues yet unsettles, making it a notable but controversial Gothic work.
Who Should Read The Monk?
Readers who enjoy gothic horror and dark, twisted tales will be captivated by Matthew Lewis's The Monk. With its themes of supernatural danger, corruption, and moral ambiguity, it appeals to fans of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Bram Stoker's Dracula. Expect a blend of suspense, horror, and intense psychological drama.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
990LBook Details
Classic Fiction
Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction
Historical Fiction
Romanticism / Romantic Period
Natural World: Appearance & Reality
Values/Ideas: Good & Evil
Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality