The Mysteries of Udolpho

I enjoyed reading this book and, looking at the format, believe it truly follows the "definition" of a traditional novel. The version I read keep the divisions of the book in the volumes with which it was originally distributed. The first volume gives basic introductions and development of such a serene scene interrupted by the deaths of Emily's parents. However, the reader isn't exposed to much in the way of "gothic" or "ghosts" but perhaps some dark movements upon the background. Nothing frightening. However, as Radcliffe continues on in the remaining volumes, the pace of the tale increases. I found myself riveted at points and awaiting the denouement! I knew, from her biographical information, that Radcliffe was going to, at some point, reveal the way all the supernatural occurrences actually had tangible and true reasons behind them. Although the novel may have terrified readers at the time, in our current society, it may not seem nearly as horrifying as we have become somewhat desensitized due to our media. It is common place for us to hear about death, deceit, destruction, and even murder due to the media in our homes and lives. Television, movies, and even the Internet bring these images into our minds and make us less susceptible to the "fainting" and "swooning" catalogued in The Mysteries of Udolpho.
As a writer, Ann Radcliffe does a good job of blending depictions of scenery as well as development of plot. I am curious to know if she knew the end from the beginning and how she wrote as it seems very systematic and there are no open-ended questions left regarding any mystery presented in the book.