"Northanger Abbey" by Jane Austen

Paper Summary:

This paper focuses primarily on the heroine, Catherine, in Jane Austen's gothic short novel, "Northanger Abbey," while also giving a brief review of the book itself. In creating Catherine's character, Austen erects a realistically portrayed heroine who is constantly learning and evolving in this coming of age novel. From the start, the narrator in the book notes the gap between how things should be in the ideal life of a fictional heroine and how things actually are for Catherine's flawed character.

From the Paper:

"Catherine is not any better at reading people or situation even during the trip with Henry. The young man arrives to accompany Catherine on a visit to his home, Northanger Abbey, and on the way he narrates a short fictional gothic description of what her experience at the abbey will hold for her. Catherine shows her fascination as she continually encourages Henry to continue with the story: "Oh! Mr. Tilney, how frightful!--This is just like a book! But it cannot really happen to me. I am sure your Housekeeper is not really Dorothy.--Well, What then?" (Austen 108). Eventually, Henry has to stop telling the story because he finds Catherine's relentless interest too humorous for him to proceed."

More papers on "Northanger Abbey" by Jane Austen:

• Book Review # 52283 : "Jane Austen's "Northanger Abbey"
• Analytical Essay # 130378 : "Social Climate in "Northanger Abbey" and "My Antonia"
• Analytical Essay # 66340 : "Northanger Abbey"

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