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Northanger Abbey is the story of Catherine Morland’s first season in Bath and all of
the potential pitfalls of a life in society. Her love of Gothic literature and
a timely visit to Northanger Abbey lead her on a mock Gothic adventure where
she learns the difference between fact and fiction and discovers the true
nature of some of her friends.
The reader is assumed to have some knowledge of literary tradition,
with the assertion right from the first line that Catherine is not a typical
heroine. The initial passage of description is in stark contrast to the
character study of Jane Austen in her brother’s preface. This highlights the
importance and interrelation of all aspects of a book and not merely the novel
itself. As an avid reader we can assume that Catherine herself is aware that
she is not in possession of the expected credentials of a heroine. Her meagre
return home so different to the triumphal return of the great figures of
literature is not lost on her, and we are reminded throughout of her failings
as a Gothic heroine. Austen’s mocking of the oft-exaggerated Gothic female
protagonists means that this is no damning judgement of her character. We are
encouraged to laugh at her naivety and the misunderstandings caused by her
over-active imagination, but ultimately we see her learn from her mistakes and
mature in a fashion entirely appropriate to her young age.
Her love of novels goes beyond mere enjoyment of the story and
starts to colour her view of the real world and the expectations she holds. It
is therefore with great excitement that she sets off for Northanger Abbey,
imagining it will be as if it were straight out of an Ann Radcliffe novel.
Henry teases her on the journey, claiming she would not like it if it were as threatening
as all that. Determined that she would she invents mystery where there is none
and judges people for their imagined role in wicked activities. Henry realises
where her mind has wandered and sets her straight. It is at this point that she
realises how foolish she has been and that her sensationalising of events has
led to an oversight of very real suffering.
It is not only this strain of childishness which is highlighted with
her stay at the Abbey, but also her ignorance of what is fashionable as she
does not show the desired sense of awe at some of the fine items. Throughout we
are reminded that she has not been brought up in a way that would have equipped
her with the necessary sensibilities to succeed flawlessly in society. She
worries terribly when she thinks she has offended her friends but soon learns
well enough that the appearance of friendliness must always be maintained. It
is quite a revelation to her that people are not always entirely truthful in
order to make themselves seem more impressive. In this way she learns not
merely abut social expectations but also about human nature.
Austen gently mocks the ladies hunting for husbands, showing them to
be easily swayed by flattery and occupying their time with shallow concerns.
The scene in which it is asserted that an ignorant woman is far more likely to
find a suitable husband is both a judgement on the qualities looked for in a
genteel wife and also of the ever-changing focus in fashion and the subsequent
shifts in art appreciation. That Catherine feels ashamed of her ignorance in
such matters shows that she has a more genuine appreciation for that which she
considers beautiful. It also again hints at the status of the novel at the time
– she is well-read in popular fiction but this is not considered an intelligent
activity and would not be discussed with potential suitors.
A light and humorous novel with a naïve but endearing protagonist
which pokes fun at so much that was popular in the late eighteenth century.
Lovers of Gothic fiction will enjoy the many references, even if Austen doesn’t
seem the biggest fan of the genre. Not particularly to my taste but if you
enjoy light hearted happy endings with a good dose of historic social
commentary then you’ll probably appreciate this more than I did.
Pick up a copy:
