AN ANALYSIS OF THE WORK “THE MONK” THROUGH TZVETAN TODOROV’S AND ANN RADCLIFFE’S DEFINITON OF “FANTASTIC”

Abstract

The Monk by Matthew G. Lewis epitomizes a true fantastic novel of the Gothic Era. The fantastic elements within the novel concord with Tzvetan Todorov’s definition of Fantastic. The balance between the “uncanny” and “marvelous” is prolonged, which evokes the sensations of the readers more as they confront with the events. Hence, the purpose of fantastic of Todorov is accomplished. Also, this study will analyze The Monk according to Ann Radcliffe’s assertations about the horror and terror in literature of fantasy. The explicit depictions of Ghosts and bewitchery elements drag The Monk to horror side rather than terror. Subsequently, it causes a moral deterioration on the readers’ minds according to the definition of Radcliffe. Because horror repels fostering ideas from the events within the work, which creates an opposite effect. Instead of taking lessons from the event, the readers indulge in the horror of the events. All in all, this study will shed light on the gothic features of The Monk by comparing Tzvetan Todorov’s and Ann Radcliffe’s ideas over the Fantastic literature.

Keywords

• The Monk
• Gothic
• Fantastic Literature
• Todorov
• Ann Radcliffe

References

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