Author: Jane Austen
Genre: Fiction, Classic, Gothic.
First Published: 1817 (posthumous)
Pages: 187
Jane Austen challenges the role of women in her novel ‘Northanger Abbey.’ Her opening line states that, ‘No one who had ever seen Catherine Morland in her infancy, would have supposed her born to be a heroine.’ But Catherine’s heroic traits differ from the stereotypical ones we often encounter in classic literature…
Catherine lives with her parents and many brothers and sisters in a notably rural life. However, she is offered the chance to accompany her neighbours, the wealthy and elderly Allen couple, on their extended stay in Bath. New to city life, Catherine is initially bored due to the lack of acquaintances to talk to at the glamorous balls and theatre trips. However, one day she meets the delightful Henry Tilney, whom she instantly falls in love with. After dancing with Henry at a ball, Catherine is eager to see him again, but his disappearance from Bath prevents the meeting she longs for. During Henry’s, Mrs Allen bumps into her old school friend, Mrs Thorpe, who’s eldest daughter, Isabella, immediately befriends Catherine. Continue reading