"Northanger Abbey"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, in "Northanger Abbey", Jane Austen has chosen to make the characters her main focus; thus the action in this novel is determined by the nature, growth and variety of the characters and their thoughts and dialogue, which move the novel to its end. The author points out that, while many critics believe that "Northanger Abbey " has little action and is even a boring read, this novel moves quickly, engaging the reader and revealing human frailties and strengths. The paper relates that the main thrust or theme of this coming-of-age novel is the bridges from adolescence into adulthood, which youth must cross in finding the right marriage partner as seen through the main character, Catherine Morland. Long quotations.

From the Paper:

"The movement of the dialogue demonstrates the urgency Catherine feels. That is, she desires to appease her friends, see the castle and, at the same time, she does not want to miss her engagement with Henry and Eleanor. A more mature woman might feel less pressured from her friends than Catherine feels at this point in the novel. But, when John lies to her saying, "Well I saw him at that moment turn up the Lansdown Road ..." (102) Catherine is convinced that Henry and Eleanor have broken the engagement. Catherine's need for growth involves both a need for knowledge and a need to unlearn the false ideas she has gotten from reading gothic novels. The way in which Catherine conducts herself when she attempts to explain the broken engagement to the Tilney family demonstrates some growth in maturity."

More papers on "Northanger Abbey":

• Book Review # 71225 : "Cultural Criticism of Northanger Abbey"
• Analytical Essay # 51876 : "Northanger Abbey"
• Analytical Essay # 58766 : "Domestic Interiors in "Northanger Abbey"

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