Northanger Abbey
/ Jane Austen.
- Headline Review, London, 2006
- 256 pages ; 20 cm
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"Northanger Abbey" is a novel by Jane Austen that follows the story of Catherine Morland, a young and imaginative woman who has a fondness for Gothic novels. Set in the fashionable spa town of Bath and later at Northanger Abbey, the Tilney family estate, the novel takes a satirical approach to the popular Gothic novel genre of the late 18th century.
Catherine's experiences in Bath society and her romantic entanglements, particularly with Henry Tilney, form the central plot. Jane Austen uses the novel to humorously critique the melodramatic imagination often found in Gothic literature, creating a contrast between fiction and reality.
As Catherine visits Northanger Abbey, the story incorporates elements of mystery and suspense, leading to amusing misunderstandings. The novel also offers social commentary on the manners and customs of the time, addressing societal expectations for young women and the pressures related to marriage.
"Northanger Abbey" explores themes of discerning reality from fiction, the dangers of unchecked imagination, and the folly of making assumptions about others. With its blend of romance, satire, and social critique, the novel stands out in Jane Austen's body of work for its unique storytelling approach and witty examination of contemporary literature.
9781512466676
Books and reading--Fiction. Gentry--England--Fiction. Horror tales--Appreciation--Fiction. Marriage--Economic aspects--Fiction. Young women--England--Fiction.