The Monk

Set in 18th-century Madrid, the story follows Leonella and her niece Antonia as they attend a sermon by the charismatic priest Ambrosio. Antonia, caught in a web of familial disapproval and societal punishment, is pregnant with Raymond de las Cisternas' child. Ambrosio's actions lead to her being sent to an abbey for retribution, highlighting themes of desire, betrayal, and the oppressive nature of religious authority. This Gothic classic explores the darker sides of human nature and societal norms, making it a pivotal work of its genre.