The Mysteries of Udolpho

Emily Finds Poetry Cannot Ease Her Distress

After Annette leaves, Emily tries to distract herself from her worries by reading poetry, but finds that the scenes and creative energy that once gave her exquisite delight now feel cold and dim, as her distressed mind cannot engage with the abstract pleasures of literature, and her thoughts inevitably return to her own dire situation.

Emily Walks the Gallery to Avoid Montoni’s Associates

In the evening, Emily chooses not to go to the ramparts where she would be exposed to the rude gaze of Montoni’s associates, and instead walks for air in the gallery adjoining her chamber.

Emily Hears Riotous Merriment from Montoni’s Quarters

While in the gallery, Emily hears distant sounds of wild, riotous laughter and merriment coming from the part of the castle where Montoni usually resides, including what she thinks are female voices. This confirms her suspicion that the Venetian visitors are there of their own free will, and the immoral atmosphere of the gathering, coming so soon after her aunt’s death, shocks and horrifies her.

Emily Considers Yielding the Estates for Safety

The sounds of merriment make Emily realize the full scope of Montoni’s planned vengeance against her, and her resolve to keep the disputed estates shakes. She almost decides to yield the estates to Montoni immediately in exchange for her safety and freedom, though the memory of Valancourt makes her hesitate and fall into doubt.

A Stranger Approaches Emily in the Gallery

As Emily paces the gallery, a tall figure follows her, and she is seized by a man she recognizes as one of the officers accompanying Montoni. He tries to persuade her to join the party below, makes unwanted romantic advances, and only releases her when she frees herself with a surge of indignation. She flees to her chamber and locks the door behind her.

Emily Barricades Her Chamber and Fears for Annette

After the stranger leaves, Emily realizes the private staircase door to her chamber may only be fastened on the other side, so she works to secure it as best she can. Concluding that retaining the estates is now impossible and that she must preserve her life and honour, she resolves to yield all claims to the estates and leave Udolpho the next day if Montoni allows it. She sits in darkness for hours, growing increasingly anxious when Annette does not appear, fearing something terrible has happened to her.

Emily Hears a Familiar Song and Hopes for Valancourt

While waiting in her chamber, Emily hears distant music, including a popular air from her native Gascony that her father often sang, accompanied by a voice she believes may be Valancourt’s, the man she loves. The song stirs tender memories of her childhood and raises hope that Valancourt is nearby, though she quickly fears he may be a prisoner in the castle, which would explain his silence when she calls out to him from the casement. She is left torn between hope and terror, unable to confirm if he is near.

Emily Waits Anxiously Through the Night for Annette

Emily spends the entire night restlessly waiting for Annette, unable to sleep as she is consumed by alternating emotions of hope, fear, joy, and grief. She thinks of her deceased parents and absent Valancourt, listens for any sound of Annette or the mysterious singer, and watches as the night drags on until the first light of dawn appears, leaving her still in torturing suspense.

CHAPITRE VI.

This chapter, titled CHAPTER VI, opens with a quoted excerpt from John Milton’s pastoral poetry that yearns for the gentle sounds of rural life (such as penned flocks, reed pipes, and a village cock crowing) as a small comfort from the confinement of a dense, enclosed wood. The narrative then shifts to Emily, who is relieved when her servant Annette arrives early in the morning, after being locked in her room the previous night by Ludovico, who feared for her safety among the castle’s drunken inhabitants.