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This conversation solidified my disdain for John Thorpe. Given the importance of literature and reading to Catherine and her character progression, I felt like Thorpe’s seeming repulsion with literature (and his lack of knowledge of female authorship), was a clear indication from Austen that Thorpe was one of the male antagonists. I was also struck by Catherine’s feelings of shame and her desire to apologize to him. She continues on this trajectory when she corrects him when he says Udolpho isn’t an Ann Radcliffe work, and feels regret because she doesn’t want to “mortify” him. This interaction and her reaction to it paints a clear picture of the gender roles of the time; women were to quietly harbor their opinions, were not to correct men if they were wrong, and men were the clear experts on all topics, even those they knew nothing about. Even though Catherine experiences some trepidation at correcting Thorpe, and at questioning what he’s read, she does it anyway, which leads me to believe she is going to continue on this trajectory of challenging the status quo by not allowing men to silence her thoughts. I already love Catherine, and can’t wait to see how she progresses in her societal and literary education. 

Chegou hoje aqui! ❤❤❤❤ #themystheriesofudolpho #udolpho #anneradcliffe #womenwriters #womenshistory (em Curitiba, Paraná) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSfJ1Mml2OE/?utm_medium=tumblr

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW *no spoilers* : 🐇 Following my recent review on Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, it seems fitting to also say my piece on the gothic novel it satirises. It is clear Austen was influenced by Radcliffe’s writing style even in her non-satirical works, so Northanger reads as more of a tongue-in-cheek love letter to the genre than a mockery of it. 🐇 Udolpho, a seminal gothic novel, plays a powerful role in establishing what is now recognised as the classic gothic stereotypes - a tortured heroine and a dastardly yet suave male antagonist, facing off within the confines of a shadowy arching mansion, itself set in the middle of a sprawling wilderness. These clichés persist even in contemporary writing for good reason. They are engaging set pieces for a narrative to be centred around, especially when the focus of the plot is of dark familial mystery and stolen inheritance. 🐇 As with many classic works, the wind-up to the main events of the plot is prolonged. Whilst it pays off, many readers fall to the wayside when faced with a 200-page foundation to cover before much happens. However, as with most things in life, if you stick to it the rewards are rich and well-deserved. 🐇 The characters, particularly the protagonist Emily and her father M. St. Aubert, are emotional creatures and frequently weep, faint, and press hands at the slightest provocation. It is perhaps a little too saccharine, but is effective in emphasising the contrast between St. Aubert and cold, calculating Montoni. 🐇 TLDR: A cornerstone of gothic literature, with all the accoutrements - tremulous damsels, devilish captors, valiant rescuers and looming castles in the middle of nowhere. Slow to progress but rewarding in the long run. . #gothicliterature #udolpho #reading #anneradcliffe #janeausten #gothicbook #literature #flatlaystyle #bibliophile #bookishfeatures #goodreadschallenge2020 #bunnybookandco #bookofthemonth #bunnybox #bookbox #throwbookthursday #review #gothicheroine #montoni https://www.instagram.com/p/CDRAaHdJFcr/?igshid=1jov8d7w22n1a

When you're suffering for a loved one #popobibobo #rudolfmarmot #marmotofzenda #webcomic #comicstrip #comicart #indiecomics #dailysketch #fountains #udolpho #elphberg