[tps_title] 5. Northanger Abbey [/tps_title]
Northanger Abbey was Austen’s first novel and whilst it is a phenomenal, compelling read, it is clear that Austen had not hit her stride yet in terms of the kind of propulsive narrative that she would create later in her career. Catherine Morland is a frustrating heroine at the best of times but it is her friend Isabella who is as similarly excruciating at times.
Catherine Morland travels with her rich relatives, Mr and Mrs. Allen to Bath. At first she is disappointed by the city until she meets and falls in love with Mr. Tilney, the day before he leaves. She then meets and befriends Isabella Thorpe who introduces Catherine to gothic novels – beginning to be so consumed by them that she blurs the lines between reality and fiction. Having met Mr. Tilney’s sister, Catherine is invited to their house to stay at Northanger Abbey, having turned down Isabella’s brother’s proposal. At Northanger Abbey, Catherine continues to blur the lines between reality and fiction, becoming convinced that General Tilney has murdered his wife. After she is thrown out of the house, Catherine believes it is because of her mistaken thoughts, but it comes to transpire that it was actually due to General Tilney’s mistaken belief that Catherine is penniless. Ultimately, Henry Tilney proposes and Catherine accepts.Â
Pick up a copy here.
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