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Volume 4, Chapter 1
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Mysteries of Udolpho, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Marriage, Love, and Inheritance
The Wonders of Nature
Mystery and Superstition
Mortality
The Value of Education and Art
Summary
Analysis
Valancourt prepares for his next and supposedly final meeting with Emily. When the time comes, in spite of all his preparation, Valancourt has a hard time speaking. At last, he begs for her forgiveness for all the pain he’s caused. Emily cries, but she tells him it’s now time for them to part forever. Valancourt prolongs things, but ultimately, he kisses Emily’s hand and leaves. Emily is shocked and remains in place for a long time.
Although Valancourt begs Emily several times to take him back, he ultimately respects her wishes by going away. Whatever Valancourt did in the past, this distinguishes him in the present from Count Morano or Du Pont, who continue to hold delusions about Emily and don’t listen to what she says.
Themes
