Northanger Abbey

Northanger Abbey is a novel by Jane Austen that was published posthumously in 1817. It follows the story of Catherine Morland, a 17-year-old heroine from a middle-class family who loves to read Gothic novels. Through her interactions with the wealthy and aristocratic Tilney family, Catherine grows in her understanding of society and learns to separate reality from fantasy.

The novel was likely Austen’s first complete work of fiction, having been written between 1798-1799. However, it took many years for it to be published, as Austen had trouble finding a publisher initially. She sold the manuscript in 1803 under the title Susan but the publishers, Crosby & Co., failed to print it. They later sold the manuscript back to Austen’s brother Henry in 1816 after her death. Henry arranged for its publication the following year as Northanger Abbey.

Recommended for: Fans of Jane Austen’s works and readers interested in classic literature. This novel appeals to those who enjoy Austen’s signature wit, social commentary, and insightful character portrayals. It is particularly recommended for individuals who appreciate a blend of romance, satire, and coming-of-age themes. Additionally, readers who are interested in the late 18th century British society and its social dynamics, as well as those intrigued by the Gothic genre and its subversion, will find Northanger Abbey a delightful and thought-provoking read.

You will:

Follow the captivating journey of Catherine Morland, a young heroine navigating the complexities of society and the contrast between reality and the Gothic novels she adores.
Witness Catherine’s growth and maturation as she learns to discern the true nature of people and separate fiction from everyday life.
Explore the themes of societal expectations, social class, and the pursuit of suitable marriages in late 18th century British society.
Experience Jane Austen’s masterful prose, rich characterizations, and skillful social commentary that established her as a renowned author.
Gain insights into Bath’s social life, country estate living, and the pressures faced by individuals seeking to navigate the intricacies of society.
Appreciate the novel’s satirical approach to the Gothic genre, which played a pivotal role in Austen’s career and continues to entertain readers today.

Plot

The story begins by introducing Catherine, who enjoys reading Gothic novels for their suspenseful stories. She is invited by family friends, the Allens, to accompany them to Bath for the social season. In Bath, Catherine is introduced to Henry Tilney and his father, General Tilney. She also becomes reacquainted with Isabella Thorpe, who shares her love of Gothic novels. Isabella introduces Catherine to her brother John as well.

Meanwhile, Isabella begins flirting with Captain Tilney, Henry’s brother. She also grows dissatisfied with her engagement to Catherine’s brother James after learning his inheritance is quite modest. Isabella leads Catherine to misunderstand her intentions through contradictory behavior. Catherine struggles to interpret people’s true natures and differentiate fiction from reality.

The Tilneys invite Catherine to their home, Northanger Abbey. Catherine expects the abbey to resemble descriptions from Gothic novels, with dark secrets hidden within. To her disappointment, she finds it is a pleasant, normal home. However, she does discover a mysterious cabinet and washing bill, fueling her overactive imagination into believing General Tilney murdered his wife. Henry disillusions her by explaining the reality of the situation.

Catherine receives news that Isabella has jilted James. She realizes Isabella’s true dishonest character. General Tilney also abruptly sends Catherine home, believing her to be nearly destitute after being misinformed by John Thorpe. Henry later explains and professes his love for Catherine, though they must earn General Tilney’s approval to marry.

This summary demonstrates several major themes in the novel. Austen satirizes the Gothic genre that Catherine admires by having her misinterpret reality based on novels. Through interactions with the Tilneys and Thorpes, Catherine learns people’s behaviors do not always match their words. She grows to separate fantasy from the ordinariness of daily life. Social class is also a theme, as Catherine sees the artifice of those like Isabella and General Tilney who care too much about status. By the end, Catherine gains maturity and understanding.

The novel provides insights into late 18th century British society through details of Bath social life, living on a country estate, and the pressure to make suitable marriages. While not as focused on love and marriage as Austen’s later works, Northanger Abbey established her skills in prose, characterization and social commentary. Its satire of the Gothic genre helped launch her career despite initial struggles to achieve publication. Today it remains an entertaining classic that gently parodies popular fiction genres while advancing a young heroine’s personal growth and understanding of the world.

Licensing

Jane Austen. Northanger Abbey. Originally published in 1817. This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago. This digital edition is provided by Standard Ebooks under the CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.