“The Monk: A Romance” by Matthew Gregory Lewis, a Gothic Novel audiobook version and essay

 

 Let’s delve into the dark and captivating world of “The Monk: A Romance” by Matthew Gregory Lewis. This Gothic novel, published in 1796, weaves a tale of corruption, forbidden desires, and supernatural forces. Buckle up as we explore its twisted plot, memorable characters, and enduring impact.

Overview and Context

• Title: The Monk: A Romance
• Author: Matthew Gregory Lewis
• Genre: Gothic novel
• Publication Date: 1796

Plot Summary

“The Monk” has two intertwined plotlines that keep readers on the edge of their seats:

1. Ambrosio’s Downfall:

   • Ambrosio, a celebrated monk in Madrid, is the central character. Abandoned at an abbey as an infant, he grows up to be virtuous and revered.
   • His closest friend, Rosario, reveals her true identity as Matilda, a woman who disguised herself to be near Ambrosio.
   • Matilda nurses Ambrosio back to health after a serpent bite, and their relationship takes a dark turn. She tempts him into forbidden desires, leading to a secret affair.
   • When Ambrosio becomes infatuated with the virtuous maiden Antonia, Matilda offers him a sinister solution: witchcraft.
   • The consequences of Ambrosio’s choices spiral into murder, lust, and damnation.

2. Raymond and Agnes:

   • The subplot follows the romance between Raymond and the nun Agnes.
   • Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of Ambrosio’s downfall, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

Themes and Elements

• Gothic Horror: “The Monk” epitomizes the Gothic genre, emphasizing horror, suspense, and the supernatural.
• Forbidden Desires: Ambrosio’s inner struggle with desire, lust, and temptation drives the plot.
• Intriguing Characters:
  • Ambrosio: Initially virtuous, he succumbs to darkness.
  • Matilda: The enigmatic temptress who leads Ambrosio astray.
  • Antonia: The innocent maiden caught in the web of intrigue.
• Witchcraft and the Occult: Matilda’s involvement with Lucifer and her use of magic add an eerie dimension.
• Moral Decay: The novel explores the corruption of virtue and the consequences of sinful choices.

Legacy and Adaptations

• Influence: “The Monk” left an indelible mark on Gothic literature. Its scandalous plot and vivid characters inspired countless imitations.
• Stage and Screen: The novel has been adapted for theater and film, capturing its dark allure.

Conclusion

“The Monk: A Romance” remains a haunting and influential work. Lewis’s ability to blend horror, passion, and the supernatural ensures its place in literary history. So, dear reader, immerse yourself in this twisted tale—it’s a journey you won’t soon forget.

References:

1. Wikipedia: The Monk
2. Goodreads: The Monk
3. LibriVox: The Monk
4. Amazon: The Monk: A Romance
5. Project Gutenberg: The Monk

Betrayal Protocol Shorts and Text adult literature series by Sarnia de la Maré FRSA #spies #love #betrayal

 

Betrayal Protocol

Part 1

Under Cover

Tara Jones was the pride and joy of her seemingly ordinary parents. They lived in a beige house with beige art and had spent their careers as rather beige civil servants. 

A string of good public schools had strategically set Tara’s path in life.

She had excelled as a student and attended Cambridge University, rather more to please others than for any personal ambition. But Tara had become a modern woman with an independent and assertive mind determined to set her own path in life. It remained inevitable that she would be head hunted by the secret services due to her pedigree and a tip off from one of her tutors that she could be useful for the security of Great Britain.

(2)

Even as a young teenager Tara had known the ins and outs of MI5 and MI6, whilst never really knowing her parents’ true involvement as spies.

Secrecy had been drummed into her as a toddler. ‘We do not speak of our work roles outside the home,’ father had regularly stipulated.

But Tara had been in her cosy desk job for far too long and was itching to get out into the field.

It was imminent. There had been a nod from her superiors at Scotland Yard that there was something coming up. 

Tara woke with a spring in her step. She had been made aware that someone from Thames House was arriving and her interview had been booked in for this morning.

‘Oh Taz, don’t go yet, suck my dick babe!’

James was good looking, that was undeniable. But he worked in the city as a lawyer and did too much coke on Fridays when he and his lawyer mates would pleasure themselves over gin, feasting in self satisfaction and case law. 

(3)

Tara’s friends referred to him as TAT, a rather derogatory acronyms for ‘the arrogant twat.’

‘Not today James.’ Tara winked and touched her pussy, meowing with a grin. 

Today I have a very important interview with somebody from Thames House as I am about to be elevated to a very important person!’

James considered a wank but thought better of it. He was punching above his weight with Tara and she was, in his mind, ‘the one’. He was already twenty-eight and his mother had started those awful hints that mothers without grandchildren give.

‘I’ll make breakfast,’ he shouted as he watched Tara in the shower trying to get his designer boxers over the biggest member in West London.

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The Prisoner by Sarnia de la Maré FRSA for Tale Teller Club Publishing

 The Prisoner

Beneath the moon's unworldly glow,

Near the tombs where shadows grow,

A tall dark man with heart of woe,

Kneels by a grave, his tears to flow.

Beside the tombstone, a weeping form,

She too sits a life to mourn 

Angered still her troubled storm,

For a love once vibrant lays forlorn.

He the lover forever missed,

In cold marble his name is etched.

Whispers longing, his grief endures,

A mournful tale throughout the years.

His sorry words the silence breaks. 

"I miss you still," he softly speaks,

A spirit presence, love forsakes,

As the night in mournful quiet takes.

"I've lingered, Samuel, in this abyss,

The pain of parting, your ghostly kiss.

Lovers’ chains, an eternal twist,

In a lonely realm where time persists.”

He wavers now, disbelief takes hold,

For she is here, a dream unfolds.

A hand, ethereal, in forgiveness, bold,

Through veils of sorrow, their tale is told.

"I never meant you harm" he pleads,

His hand through hers as it recedes

Words unspoken, like dormant seeds,

In the crying graves where ghosts do feed

"Forgive me, Eleanor, I beg you please”

The cursed lover falls to his knees

Her fire of love burned through his heart

Twas him who plays the spectral’s part

A chill coursed through, as their hands entwined,

In the moonlit graveyard, so divine.

"I love you, Eleanor," a whispered whine,

A moment shared in the night's confine.

The mist retreats, the dawn holds sway.

As his ghostly figure fades away,

Lovers lost in the moon’s display,

For she is the prisoner of the day.

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