The Monk, Chapter 7 summary

What happens

1. Ambrosio uses visits during Elvira’s illness to pursue Antonia while withdrawing his affection from Matilda.
2. He mistakes Antonia’s innocent affection for sexual desire and assaults her until Elvira interrupts and dismisses him.
3. Matilda reveals her magical knowledge and uses an enchanted mirror showing Antonia bathing to overcome Ambrosio’s refusal of supernatural help.
4. In the underground vaults, Ambrosio hears a suffering voice but abandons thoughts of helping when Matilda returns.
5. Matilda performs a bloody ritual and compels Lucifer to surrender a magical myrtle branch.
6. Ambrosio accepts the branch, returns unnoticed to the Abbey, and eagerly anticipates using its powers against Antonia.

In this chapter

What to notice

Matilda exposes the gap between Ambrosio’s religious claims and his intentions toward Antonia. Her accusation helps pressure him toward accepting supernatural assistance.

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