CHAPTER ONE
Notice the allusion to Measure for Measure. Shakespeare's influence is significant in the novel. Who is Angelo in his play, and in what ways does the headnote in Chapter one foreshadow / reflect Ambrosio's character?
The "Gypsy's Song" has been called the theme passage of the novel? Why?
CHAPTER TWO:
What is the obvious biblical allusion in this chapter?
CHAPTER THREE:
Much of the story may today be regarded as unneeded detail, but we should note what happens to Raymond in the woods (which symbolizes?) with Marguerite and Baptiste. Does Marguerite's misadventures parallel Agnes'? Perhaps here kindness is in contrast to____, and therefore illustrates what romantic theme?.
CHAPTER FOUR:
One of the more celebrated moments in The Monk is the story of the "bleeding nun." Relate its "gothic" specifics to the action of the subplot. What does Agnes believe about the bleeding nun narrative? Is there a dialectic present? Note that this element is very important for a Jung interpretation. What archetype is dramatized? Note also the foreshadowing and flashback potential?
CHAPTER FIVE:
We are back in the present time. Apply Pope's "Epigraph" to the contents of the chapter--what is the classical admonition?
CHAPTER SIX:
What is Matilda, and in what does she participate in the subterranean vaults under the convent? Do you find Lady Macbeth parallels?
What change takes place in Ambrosio's relationship with Matilda, and why? What universal is dramatized here? Compare his actions / feelings to Macbeth's.
CHAPTER SEVEN:
Look carefully at the "mirror" episode--who is involved, and what is a MACBETH allusion? Recall that in Romantic period aesthetics, the "mirror and the lamp" (Abrams) was a crucial metaphor for the creative process. What is being 'created' here: by whom and for whom?
CHAPTER EIGHT:
Ironically, of whom does the Monk think during the seduction?
CHAPTER NINE:
How is a Romeo and Juliet theme dramatized here?
CHAPTER TEN:
Entombment of Antonia and the theme of Romeo/Juliet….
CHAPTER ELEVEN:
What makes Ambrosio change from love to lust? Why?
CHAPTER TWELVE:
Given the summary, how would you evaluate the Monk's free will. Is there an Oedipus parallel? Is he a tragic figure?