Northanger Abbey

Catherine unapologetically loves gothic novels, which exercise an enormous influence on how she sees the world. Examine how gothic elements work in the novel. How does Austen satirize some of the tropes associated with the genre, and why does she do so? How does Catherine’s relationship with the gothic change over the course of the novel?

Truth and sincerity play important roles in the relationships between characters. Some characters value truth and sincerity very little, and some quite a lot. How do problems with sincerity and truth advance the novel’s plot and inform aspects of characterization?

Catherine often struggles to discern the true personality and motives of other characters, which leaves her vulnerable to manipulation. Analyze Catherine’s personal dynamics with another character—e.g., with Isabella, with Henry, with General Tilney, or with Eleanor. In what ways do their interactions with Catherine reveal their intentions and feelings towards her? How do their personal dynamics illustrate some of the novel’s core themes?

The narrative occasionally includes moments of direct intervention from the narrator. How does the narrator’s intervention shape the plot or characterization? How does the narrator’s role tie into the novel’s preoccupation with the gothic, with novel-reading, and with learning to “read” the world in general?

The novel depicts characters from different socio-economic levels, from the Morlands, who are from a modest background, to the Tilneys, who are very rich. What role does socio-economic class play in the novel? How does the novel reflect some of the social and class dynamics of Austen’s day?

Northanger Abbey features discussions about the significance of novels and novel-reading. How do different characters regard novel-reading? How do characters argue for or against the value of novels in society?

The narrator claims that “No one who had ever seen Catherine Morland in her infancy, would have supposed her to be a heroine.” Despite Catherine’s ordinary background, looks, and personality, the reader sees her grow and develop in significant ways as the story progresses. Can Catherine be considered a true “heroine” by the novel’s end? Why or why not?

Consider the role of fashion and décor in the novel. What is the significance of fashion and décor in the novel’s characterization, setting, or even plot?