The Mysteries of Udolpho

"The Mysteries of Udolpho," Ann Radcliffe's fourth novel published in 1794, embodies typical gothic elements: a large castle with supposedly supernatural occurrences, a cunning villain opposed by a virtuous heroine, Emily St. Aubert. Orphaned and under her aunt's care, Emily faces danger from her late guardian's husband, the cruel Count Montoni, who manipulates her. Her desire to return to France and reunite with her suitor, Valancourt, fuels her determination against the count's machinations. Jane Austen parodied the novel in "Northanger Abbey," drawing parallels between Udolpho and her own surroundings.