Charles Robert Maturin’s Melmoth the Wanderer: a Gothic Labyrinth of Tales

Abstract

[Abstract] In this dissertation I have conducted the analysis of the Gothic novel Melmoth the Wanderer by Irish author Charles Robert Maturin. I intended to demonstrate the competences and abilities acquired in the Grao en Inglés: Estudios Lingïísticos e Literarios, as well as, more specifically to the subject matter, the examination of several characteristics of the novel and its context – the Anglo-Irish community, the structure, the duality of the characters, Gothic elements, etc. – along with the recuperation of the figure of the author, slightly marginalised by the scholars. In order to attain said purposes, I have executed a close reading of the novel, as well as collected and read a selection of secondary bibliography – in order to properly comprehend the novel and elaborate correctly the task – to then proceed to conduct the task. In elaborating this essay, I have approached both contextual and literary aspects. I have delved into the vast body of Gothic literature produced by Anglo-Irish writers, who found in this genre a vehicle of expression that adapted to their conditions. Maturin, an eccentric and marginalised figure, was part of this community; and through his literary production demonstrated a strong attachment to his home country as well as to his Anglican faith, strongly condemning Catholicism. This is poured in his novel Melmoth the Wanderer, resulting in an excellent and complex novel, both in format and content. All of which reflect his national sentiments and preoccupations, religious affiliations, knowledge and education, always fitting into the characteristics of the Gothic genre, which he accommodated to his purposes.