An Ethical Literary Analysis Of The Monk

The Monk of Matthew · Gregory · Lewis(1775-1818)was the most successful Gothic novel in England at the end of 10th century,it exerted profound influence upon many subsequent writers.During the 200 years after its publication,reviews of The Monk varied as time went by.In the background of new times,different literary value of The Monk can be discovered by the critical method of Ethical Literary Criticism.From the perspective of Ethical Literary Criticism,this thesis begins with the analysis of the complicated ethical identity of protagonist Ambrosio,his ethical identity as a monk is endowed with different layers;his ethical confusion in gender identity is a hidden danger;he plays different roles as a family member.The multiple ethical identities of Ambrosio request him to fulfill complicated ethical obligations,he fails to fulfill corresponding ethical obligations,which leads to the final ethical tragedy.The thesis then analyzes the protagonist's construction of Sphinx factor,his ethical choices and his violation of triple ethical taboos,dissects the process of Ambrosio's destruction to the ethical order.The thesis ends with the description of the ethical fear entailed in the destructed ethical order,the importance of fulfilling ethical obligations and abiding by ethical taboo is presented through interpreting the punishment upon saboteurs of ethical order.By the critical method of Ethical Literary Criticism,this thesis affirms the didactic value,ethical value and literary value of The Monk.The canonization of The Monk emphasizes the importance of morality to the survival of human beings,which is vital for building a harmonious society.