The Monk by Matthew G. Lewis, Fiction, Horror

The novel features Ambrosio, a Spanish monk whose overwhelming pride leads him into a dark descent as he is seduced by the enigmatic Matilda. Unlike earlier Gothic works, it explores themes of temptation and moral decay through graphic and unsettling scenes, including a haunting incantation in a convent's vaults and the tragic fate of the abbot. Additionally, a sub-plot involving the Marquis de las Cisternas and the spectral Bleeding Nun showcases chilling moments that blend horror with supernatural elements, enhancing its reputation as a Gothic masterpiece.