Critically analyse the treatment of the sexually sublime in 'Zofloya' and 'The Monk'

In Gothic novels sublime sexuality is an out of control element that drives the affected characters to destruction. This is especially true of Lewis's The Monk and Dacre's Zofloya. Both novels stress fearless sexuality and expressions beyond the limitations of everyday life. Dacre's protagonist is a mother hating triple murderess who dreams of sexual congress with a demon of colour. Whilst Lewis's monk is a corrupt, murdering, sexual predator who is enticed by an evil …

…been seduced by Matilda, he falls speedily and readily. Victoria continues to discover new depravities, long after she has committed her first murder. Consequently Freud states that the sexual force unconsciously controls our behaviour and actions and that anything repressed will come out in a destructive manner. This is true of both The Monk and Zofloya, as both female and male sexuality is a disturbing, sublime force that will stop at nothing to be satisfied.