The Monk: Secret Identities

A theme that I felt recurred was the effect of hiding ones identity. At the start of the novel, Antonia refused to unveil her appearance to the inquiring Dons, Lorenzo and Christoval. Her reason for being so shy was, "It is not the custom in Murcia-" (Pg 14). In my opinion, her timid nature was to be expected as a result of one so young and inexperienced being sought after by curious eyes. In my own experience in the realm of courting, I find it hard to approach someone who I cannot see or perceive fully. In one mind, I can sympathize with the two men. In another, perhaps the lady wished not to establish a relation and thus unveiling her attractive qualities would have done little to preserve herself from their pursuit. In her case I support her venture to disguise herself. The young ROsario of the Monk society also strived to retain a secret identity. This had worked over the course of about two years, however, Rosario had professed to Ambrosio, only at his inquiring of Rosario's sudden melancholy, that Rosario was not a young lad but a young woman. She pleaded her case, "I am Matilda; you are her beloved!" (Pg 55). This statement was made all the more powerful by Rosario previously explaining the story of Matilda, while pretending to be her brother, at which Ambrosio expressed pity towards. I was a bit disappointed at the time that the author Lewis decided to unveil the identiy of Matilda because I was expecting something much deeper and tedious about their relationship. Now that I am much further in the story I can appreciate the intricacies of how all the characters are related and I am simultaneously satisfied at the depth at which Matilda and Ambrosio's relationship is described. I believe that her securing his interest via the painting was underhanded of her and that perhaps if she only wanted his admiration, like she claimed to, then she would have been satisfied with his purchase of her portrait. This inclines me to believe that even before her statement: "My bosom burns with love, with unutterable love, and love must be its return" (Pg 80), that she knew this would be the result of her spending time with Ambrosio. This situation mirrors that of her previous love in which she entered the servitude of a house under the pretense of being closer to the husband and was banished due to her confession, and this is why she should know that Ambrosio should not act any differently. All of her previous statements of admiration sufficing her appetite, in my opinion, were more in effect to fool herself into believing that she could belong, without consequence, by his side all the while still entertaining thoughts of passionate love. Another instance of identity concealing is that of the Marquis de las Cisternas. His mentor suggested to him that he might gain more friends by denying his name of status and soley going by Don Raymond. I believe it is good advice, but inevitably people wish to associate with those they can relate to on an economic level. As noble as it is to found friendship on basis of personality, one may find it awkward and even offensive to discover the true status of their friend. I must also mention that the Bleeding Nun wished to hide her identity as Beatrice de las Cisternas from Raymond, who is of her decent. I do not recall comprehending why she decided to keep this from him, since he was fated to discover her bones and put her to rest.