Spirituality vs. Religion in The Monk

photo from rmeghalsi

The two major supernatural scenes in Volume II of Matthew Lewis’s The Monk provide  more than horror movie type entertainment. Indeed, after comparing the Wandering Jew’s exorcism of the bloody nun to Matilda’s summoning of Lucifer, it seems that these two scenes work together to teach readers the importance of morality and spirituality.

First, it is important to note the similarities between these two scenes. Both scenes occur as a result of evil or sinful intentions. Ambrosio requires the assistance of the devil in satisfying his illicit lust for Antonia, and Don Raymond is haunted by the murderous bloody nun after kidnapping Agnes’ “babysitter” and attempting to help his lover escape from her family’s plans for her future. This in itself seems to suggest to the reader that if we engage in immoral actions we risk suffering as a result of evil / the supernatural.

Another interesting similarity is that neither of the purely human characters involved in these scenes were able to face the spirits without feeling faint or having to be assisted by their supernatural friends. Don Raymond says that at the sight of the cross burning on the wandering Jew’s forehead, “my senses left me for some moments; a mysterious dread overcame my courage, and had not the Exorciser caught my hand, I should have fallen out of the Circle” (Lewis 172). Ambrosio grows increasingly fearful with the approach of Lucifer and “a cold shivering seized his body, and He sank upon one knee, unable to support himself” (276). This seems to suggest that there are things in the world which we as humans cannot comprehend or deal with on our own. In fact, Don Raymond fares much better during his encounter with the supernatural because he, through the devout Exorcist, is supported by God. Aside from his glimpse of the burning cross, he is not afraid. He says “I was not seized with the accustomed shivering. I waited [the ghost’s] approach with confidence” (Lewis 171). Ambrosio’s only comfort is the thought that he will be able to acquire Antonia, which explains why he is terrified throughout the entire process (although the dark cavern and crazy Matilda are completely valid reasons to be terrified).

So, if these situations are similar, why does Don Raymond end up happier whereas Ambrosio sinks in to sinful ruin and what does this say to the reader?

It is interesting to note that Don Raymond’s story is told in first person, whereas Ambrosio’s is told in third person POV. This seems to put the reader in Don Raymond’s place (which improves in morality and happiness) while distancing him or her from the corrupted Ambrosio. This first person narrative increases the extent to which the reader can identify with Don Raymond.

Don Raymond, a figure unassociated with the Catholic Church, is far more pure than the corrupted monk who succumbs (rather easily) to temptation, rape, and dealings with the devil. With the assistance of the devout Jew (and his moment of intense personal spiritual connection before the Exorcism), Don Raymond is able to get rid of the evil supernatural influence of the bloody nun. This suggests that even though Lewis is rejecting the legitimacy of the Church through the moral downfall of Ambrosio, he is supporting the idea of morality and a personal spiritual connection with God. In putting the reader more directly in Don Raymond’s place, it’s as if Lewis wanted the reader to feel firsthand the benefits of such a spiritual connection and not reject it despite what he sees as problems with  the Church.