Northanger Abbey, Satirizing the Gothic
Jane Austen
Index
I- Introduction
c- Summary
a- Jane Austen
b- Background history
b-Reworking the Gothic: Satire and humor
a- Definition of the Gothic
c- Fusing the real with the Gothic
II- The Gothic in Northanger Abbey
IV- Conclusion
Introduction
Who is Jane Austen?
Jane Austen (1775–1817) was an English novelist known for her keen observations of the British landed gentry and her sharp wit. Born in Steventon, Hampshire, England, Austen was the seventh of eight children in a close-knit family. She began writing at an early age, and her works, while not initially published under her name, would later become some of the most celebrated in English literature. Austen's novels, including "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," "Emma," and "Northanger Abbey," often explore themes of love, marriage, social class, and the constraints placed on women in the early 19th century. Her narrative style is marked by irony, social commentary, and a nuanced understanding of human relationships. Despite achieving modest success during her lifetime, Austen's reputation grew significantly in the 20th century, and her novels continue to be widely read and adapted for film and television, making her one of the most enduring and influential authors in the English literary canon.
Conetxt behind the novel
"Northanger Abbey" was written by Jane Austen in the late 1790s, and it is considered one of her earlier works, though it was published in 1817. The novel reflects the literary and social context of the time in which Austen lived.
The novel serves as a literary commentary on the influence of literature, particularly Gothic novels, on readers' perceptions, and it remains a compelling work that continues to be studied and appreciated for its insight into the cultural milieu of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Her trademark irony is often relatively obvious, and exaggerated so that it becomes light sarcasm. Northanger Abbey also differs from Austen's other novels in its explicit derivation from other works. Book II contains two elaborate parodies of The Mysteries of Udolpho, a novel by Gothic writer Anne Radcliffe, who was very popular when Austen wrote her novels. Northanger Abbey is generally an ironic parody of both Gothic novels and unsophisticated romances that were popular in this period. It also satirizes the conduct books of the 1700s, books that informed children and young people how to behave in society.
Summary
In "Northanger Abbey," Catherine Morland, a relatively ordinary seventeen-year-old from the village of Fullerton, embarks on a journey that takes her far beyond the confines of her dull hometown. Invited by the wealthy and childless Allens to join them in Bath, Catherine's naive worldview is shaped by her passion for Gothic novels, leading to a series of comedic misadventures during her time away. In Bath, she befriends the Thorpe and Tilney families, developing a crush on the charming Henry Tilney. However, the Thorpes have their own agenda, attempting to pair Catherine with the John Thorpe. Catherine's obliviousness to their schemes results in humorous situations. Despite the Thorpes' interference, Catherine falls in love with Henry, and her genuine nature contrasts sharply with the manipulative Isabella Thorpe, who is the romantic interest of her brother. The plot takes a turn when the Tilneys invite Catherine to Northanger Abbey, where her love for Gothic novels and tendency to blur fiction with reality lead to mistaken assumptions about General Tilney (that he killed his wife).However, Henry clarifies the situation, revealing that Mrs. Tilney died of natural causes.
Catherine produces a tour-de-force of symbolism and signification. Henry tells Catherine, “Remember the country and the age in which we live. Remember that we are English, that we are Christians.” Henry’s rebuke declares a return to realism and a return to Christianity, two things that Catherine has departed from because of her frenzied Gothicized imagination. Then Austen informs us of Catherine’s disposition, “The visions of romance were over. Catherine was awakened. Henry’s address, short as it had been, had more thoroughly opened her eyes to the extravagance of her late fancies than all their several disappointments had done. Most grievously she was humbled. Most bitterly did she cry.” As Catherine navigates the complexities of relationships and societal expectations, her romance with Henry faces obstacles, including General Tilney's disapproval. Despite the challenges, love prevails, and Henry defies his father's wishes to propose to Catherine. The novel concludes with Catherine and Henry's marriage, offering a resolution to the humorous and romantic journey of "Northanger Abbey."
Northanger Abbey is imagined by Catherine Morland through the distorting prism of the Gothic novel During the late 18th century, Gothic novels gained immense popularity. These novels, characterized by mysterious settings, supernatural elements, and melodramatic plots, were prevalent in the literary landscape.
The Gothic in Nothanger Abbey
Gothic novels came out in Great Britain between 1764 and 1820 and had an incredible success. They were often called « romances » at the time as they did not fulfil Samuel Johnson's definition of the novel : being realistic and serving a moral purpose. They were also very popular among women and thus classified as an inferior form of literature. A good gothic novel had to have these recurring ingredients :-A pure, innocent, beautiful, gifted heroine.-A gothic Villain, an older man who persecutes the heroine-A remote Caste or Abbey (one of the reasons for Catherine's fantasies) where the persecution takes place-Ghosts, superstition, secrets, mysteries, half forgotten murders, rapes..
Here is an example of the book jacket of the novel. It was
published in the United States in 1965 and marketed as a Gothic novel.
The Northanger Abbey stands in the book for
an old castle but only in Catherine’s fantasy. She imagines the Northanger Abbey as an old
building full of ancient legends: Her imaginations of the Abbey, however, is more mysterious than the Abbey really is. Her
expectations, supported by Henry’s fictional story, clash with what Catherine really sees,
which dissapoints her. As she wants to experience something similar as heroines of Gothic
novels, the discovery that the Northanger Abbey is not mysterious but common modern
building leads to her disappointment
Catherine knows all the people living there, but she is convinced that they are not
the only occupants in the Abbey. She suspects General Tilney of hiding his wife, who is
considered to be dead, in one of the secret rooms, and visits her after everybody goes to
bed.
Catherine initially dismisses Tilney's eerie tale about the Abbey but later experiences a change of heart when she finds herself in a situation reminiscent of his story. Enticed by the atmosphere and fueled by a storm, she bravely opens a mysterious cabinet, expecting something dreadful. Despite the darkness and ominous sounds, she discovers a manuscript, hoping it holds secrets about the Abbey's ancient inhabitants and that she might become a Gothic novel heroine
An atmosphere of mystery and suspense is a feature of Gothic novel. In a
typical Gothic novel the plot itself is built around a mystery, such as unknown parentage,
a disappearance, or some other inexplicable event. The story is filled with a threatening
feeling, a fear enhanced by the unknown. In the novel Northaner Abbey this feature is
provoked by Henry’s story, who describes the Northanger Abbey as a place full of
horrors
A sense of intrigue and tension arises as Catherine becomes aware of Mrs. Tilney's death. She repeatedly questions whether Mrs. Tilney truly passed away or simply vanished. Catherine entertains suspicions about General Tilney, considering the possibility of him being responsible for her death or having confined her to one of the concealed chambers. The ordinary circumstances of a natural death don't satisfy Catherine's curiosity, as her knowledge from books leads her to expect a different funeral process in such cases.
"Darkness impenetrable and immoveable filled the room. A violent gust of wind, rising
with sudden fury, added fresh horror to the moment. Catherine trembled from head to
foot. In the pause which succeeded, a sound like receding footsteps and the closing of
a distant door struck on her affrighted ear" (p. 155)
“Catherine had
read too much not to be perfectly aware of the ease with which a waxen figure might be
introduced, and a supposititious funeral carried on.” (p. 175)
Another element of the Gothic novel present in Northanger Abbey is the portrayal of women in distress. The female characters frequently encounter events that result in fainting, fear, screams, and tears. The novel often revolves around a solitary, contemplative, and oppressed heroine whose sufferings become the focal point. This theme is closely linked to another characteristic of the Gothic novel—intense, even exaggerated, emotions.
Catherine is not an oppressed heroine, but she is terrified by circumstances. For example
the storm during the first night she spent in the Abbey, in connection with the mysterious
cabinet and found manuscript genuinely frightened her
"Catherine, for a few moments, was motionless with horror. It was done completely;
not a remnant of light in the wick could give hope to the rekindling breath. Darkness
impenetrable and immoveable filled the room. A violent gust of wind, rising with sudden fury, added fresh horror to the moment" (p.155)
The title itself suggests a Gothic setting, echoing the trend of Gothic novels being named after the locations where their mysterious and often terrifying events transpire. Austen's satire, however, lies in subverting these conventions, infusing humor into the narrative, and challenging the seriousness associated with the Gothic genre.Our heroine, Catherine Morland, spends the first half of the book having a normal Austen experience, e.g. getting chatted up by unsuitable young men and going to parties. It’s only when she visits her new friend at her country house that we move from the classic romance novel plot to that of the gothic novel.
Suddenly, our heroine sees danger, deceit, and devils in every corner. She believes she is trapped in a world where terrible things happen to lovely young women and where much older men exert vicious control, so attempts to save herself. Her actions are, frequently, brave, but also result in embarrassment for both herself and her friends.
Satirizing the Gothic
Jane Austen was among the first to portray the Gothic novel's absurdities and potential danger to impressionable young readers.
it depicts the misadventures of a girl who has come to regard herself as the heroine of her favorite novel
In Northanger Abbey we find many known features of what characterizes her style: her satirical tone, her mastery of language and her wit Northanger Abbey serves as a satirical commentary on the popular Gothic novels of the early 1800s, a genre characterized by mysterious settings, supernatural occurrences, and heightened emotions. In this context, satire refers to the novel's humorous and critical portrayal of the Gothic literary conventions.
Relevant definitions
PARODY
“‘stylization,’ that involves the appropriation
of the utterances of others for the purposes of inserting a new orientation of meaning
alongside the original point(s) of view (Mikhail Bakhtin)
SATIRE
"A literary attack through ridicule, irony and parody, in verse or prose, and intended to arouse amused contempt for its target"(Oxford Companion for the English Language)
While traditional Gothic novels are characterized by a sense of dread, suspense, and looming disaster, Northanger Abbey takes a distinctive approach by infusing Gothic elements into the narrative for humorous effect rather than for the creation of supernatural or horror scenarios. In contrast to classic Gothic works like Dracula or The Turn of the Screw, Jane Austen's novel lacks the overtly supernatural and ominous aspects inherent to the genre. However, the suspense and anxiety that are fundamental to Gothic storytelling find expression in Catherine Morland's experiences. Throughout the novel, Catherine grapples with a pervasive sense of dread, whether it's the fear of social consequences stemming from a social mishap or the apprehension surrounding the unpredictable actions of the eccentric General Tilney, who resides in a traditionally "Gothic" Abbey. Austen skillfully employs Gothic tropes within the narrative, transforming them into sources of humor rather than instigators of fear. This unique blending of suspense and wit showcases Austen's ability to play with literary conventions and underscores the novel's satirical nature.
The Northanger Abbey is considered a gothic parody because it satirizes the form
and conventions of the Gothic novels that were popular during the time when Jane Austen
wrote her novel. Austen targeted Anne Radcliffe’s gothic novel The Mysteries of
Udolpho. She directly mocks the genre with her references to Anne Radcliffe’s book. Catherine, the main character of Northanger Abbey, is a wide-eyed reader of
Radcliffe’s books. On the way from Bath to Northanger Abbey, the Tilney family seat, Henry tells a humorous hypothetical story about Catherine’s first night in the Abbey, including
typical features of gothic novel. He teasingly provides a description that is a composite of
details from Radcliffe’s novels
The humorous aspect of the novel 'Northanger Abbey' lies in the fact that despite numerous setbacks, Catherine remains persistent. She has an inherent need to uncover secrets about the abbey. Even after being deceived by both the abbey itself and the manuscript, she falls for Henry's mother's story.While staying at Northanger Abbey, Catherine learns from Eleanor about a portrait of their mother in her father's bedroom. The apparent coincidence is too striking for her to resist the urge to see it. However, when Catherine finally views the portrait, it lacks any eerie or mysterious qualities; instead, it appears entirely ordinary. Once again, Catherine finds herself deceived, realizing that her expectations, fueled by her readings, have led her astray.
Upon discovering the manuscript, Catherine promptly draws a comparison to other manuscripts she encountered in Radcliffe's novels. She recognizes that this manuscript is not as lengthy as the ones that typically induced fear in her readings, stating, "She [Catherine] now plainly saw that she must not expect a manuscript of equal length with the generality of what she had shuddered over in books" (Ref. 9). This comparison leads her to see herself in the context of a Gothic novel heroine. The influence of her Gothic novel readings has instilled in her the absolute necessity of finding an object that would propel her into an adventure, akin to the manuscripts featured in 'The Romance of the Forest' or 'The Mysteries of Udolpho.'
Catherine knows all the people living there, but she is convinced that they are not
the only occupants in the Abbey. She suspects General Tilney of hiding his wife, who is
considered to be dead, in one of the secret rooms, and visits her after everybody goes to
bed.
She thinks "that some very different object must occasion so serious a delay of proper repose. To
be kept up for hours, after the family were in bed, by stupid pamphlets, was not very
likely. There must be some deeper cause" (pp.172-3)
Austen’s satiric intention manifests one of her quality untypical for that period –
she was always standing on firm ground by both her feet and was able to look round with
a slightly ironic smile. (Austen 2004, p.361)
Real
Fantasy
vs
The locations and characters in Northanger Abbey exhibit realism, with authentic customs and the actual master of the ceremony of the Bath Upper Rooms being part of the narrative, accurately reflecting late eighteenth-century practices. A notable aspect of realism is evident in the explicit references to real books and authors, such as The Mysteries of Udolpho, The Monk, and The Italian. Jane Austen's meticulous attention to details and verisimilitude contributes to a faithful portrayal of society. Despite this commitment to realism, Northanger Abbey, as a Gothic parody, delves into the supernatural and the artificial
The novel challenges reality, and the protagonist, Catherine Morland, perceives her surroundings as if she were in a Gothic novel. In Gothic literature, there is an exploration of the supernatural and a confrontation with dark forces, representing the obscure aspects of the human soul. While Gothic novels typically lean towards slight realism in depicting the supernatural world, Northanger Abbey serves as a bridge between realism and the supernatural. This intersection allows Jane Austen to not only entertain but also to educate her readers about human nature. The novel becomes an "instrument of enlightenment,"(4 Melissa Schaub, Irony and Political Education in Northanger Abbey ) where the coexistence of realism and the supernatural facilitates a deeper understanding of the human psyche.
Catherine Morland arrives at the Abbey (page 161), eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of her excitement. However, a sudden downpour obstructs her view of the Abbey's exterior, creating an ironic twist. It is only after experiencing her ultimate humiliation that she is able to perceive the Abbey differently, no longer viewing it solely as a backdrop for Gothic novels. This transformation occurs just before Northanger ceases to hold a special significance for her, transitioning into a place that is "no more to her than any other house" (page 212).
Catherine realizes that everything was only “self-created delusion” (p. 183) adapted to
the situation because she was looking forward to the fear she may meet in the Abbey. She
comes to the conclusion that she was influenced by reading novels such as The Mysteries
of Udolpho isز
"Her mind made up on these several points, and her resolution formed, of always
judging and acting in future with the greatest good sense, she had nothing to do but to
forgive herself and be happier than ever; and the lenient hand of time did much for her
by insensible gradations in the course of another day. (p. 185)
In the scene in which she enters Mrs Tilney’s “mysterious apartments” to search for “proofs of the General’s cruelty” (either that he murdered his wife or imprisons her there still), Catherine’s vivid imagination is what leads her to conviction that the
General murdered his wife
On the way to investigate Mrs. Tilney’s bedroom she is
caught and scolded by Henry. He is very surprised by Catherine’s speculations. He explains her the real circumstances of his mother’s illness and death, and the relationship
between his parents. He reproaches her for the fictions she believed in. He appeals to her
conscience:
"Consult your own understanding, your own sense of the probable, your own observation of what is passing around you -- Does our education prepare us for such atrocities? Do our laws connive at them? Could they be perpetrated without being known, in a country like this, where social and literary intercourse is on such a footing; where every man is surrounded by a neighbourhood of voluntary spies, and where roads and newspapers lay every thing open? Dearest Miss Morland, what ideas have you been admitting?" (p. 182)
Conclusion
In "Northanger Abbey," Jane Austen skillfully blends the real with the imaginary by playing with the conventions of Gothic literature and satirizing them. The novel follows Catherine Morland, an avid reader of Gothic novels, as she navigates the social world of Bath and later Northanger Abbey. Austen incorporates elements of Gothic fiction into the narrative, such as mysterious settings, family secrets, and romantic intrigues.
However, what makes Austen's approach unique is her juxtaposition of Gothic fantasies with the mundane realities of everyday life. While Catherine imagines dark mysteries and sinister plots akin to those found in Gothic novels, the actual events she encounters are often ordinary and unremarkable. Austen uses this disjunction to satirize the exaggerated and sensationalized nature of Gothic literature.
The fusion of the real and the imaginary occurs through Catherine's perspective and her tendency to interpret her surroundings through the lens of Gothic novels. This blending of genres allows Austen to both engage with and poke fun at the popular literary trends of her time, creating a novel that is both a parody of Gothic fiction and a commentary on the dangers of letting imagination run unchecked.
And so in this novel, Austen not only showcases her narrative genius but also leaves us with a timeless exploration of human nature and the enduring charm of storytelling. "Northanger Abbey" remains a literary gem, inviting us to embrace the balance between reality and imagination and encouraging us to approach life with a discerning eye and a healthy dose of humor.
References
- Lau, Beth. “Madeline at Northanger Abbey: Keats’s Antiromances and Gothic Satire.” The Journal of English and Germanic Philology 84, no. 1 (1985): 30–50. http://www.jstor.org/stable/27709437.
- (Gothic Humour and Satire in Northanger Abbey)
- Faustine Jacquier. “Northanger Abbey : Ode and Parody.” Academia.edu, 2021, www.academia.edu/22550383/Northanger_Abbey_ode_and_parody. Accessed 17 Nov. 2023.
- “"‘The Gothic Northanger Abbey: A Re-Evaluation.’” Jimandellen.org, 2023, www.jimandellen.org/austen/gothicna.html. Accessed 17 Nov. 2023.Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit
- Johnson, Claudia L., and Clara Tuite. A Companion to Jane Austen. Wiley-Blackwell, 2009.
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Transcript
Northanger Abbey, Satirizing the Gothic
Jane Austen
Index
I- Introduction
c- Summary
a- Jane Austen
b- Background history
b-Reworking the Gothic: Satire and humor
a- Definition of the Gothic
c- Fusing the real with the Gothic
II- The Gothic in Northanger Abbey
IV- Conclusion
Introduction
Who is Jane Austen?
Jane Austen (1775–1817) was an English novelist known for her keen observations of the British landed gentry and her sharp wit. Born in Steventon, Hampshire, England, Austen was the seventh of eight children in a close-knit family. She began writing at an early age, and her works, while not initially published under her name, would later become some of the most celebrated in English literature. Austen's novels, including "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," "Emma," and "Northanger Abbey," often explore themes of love, marriage, social class, and the constraints placed on women in the early 19th century. Her narrative style is marked by irony, social commentary, and a nuanced understanding of human relationships. Despite achieving modest success during her lifetime, Austen's reputation grew significantly in the 20th century, and her novels continue to be widely read and adapted for film and television, making her one of the most enduring and influential authors in the English literary canon.
Conetxt behind the novel
"Northanger Abbey" was written by Jane Austen in the late 1790s, and it is considered one of her earlier works, though it was published in 1817. The novel reflects the literary and social context of the time in which Austen lived.
The novel serves as a literary commentary on the influence of literature, particularly Gothic novels, on readers' perceptions, and it remains a compelling work that continues to be studied and appreciated for its insight into the cultural milieu of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Her trademark irony is often relatively obvious, and exaggerated so that it becomes light sarcasm. Northanger Abbey also differs from Austen's other novels in its explicit derivation from other works. Book II contains two elaborate parodies of The Mysteries of Udolpho, a novel by Gothic writer Anne Radcliffe, who was very popular when Austen wrote her novels. Northanger Abbey is generally an ironic parody of both Gothic novels and unsophisticated romances that were popular in this period. It also satirizes the conduct books of the 1700s, books that informed children and young people how to behave in society.
Summary
In "Northanger Abbey," Catherine Morland, a relatively ordinary seventeen-year-old from the village of Fullerton, embarks on a journey that takes her far beyond the confines of her dull hometown. Invited by the wealthy and childless Allens to join them in Bath, Catherine's naive worldview is shaped by her passion for Gothic novels, leading to a series of comedic misadventures during her time away. In Bath, she befriends the Thorpe and Tilney families, developing a crush on the charming Henry Tilney. However, the Thorpes have their own agenda, attempting to pair Catherine with the John Thorpe. Catherine's obliviousness to their schemes results in humorous situations. Despite the Thorpes' interference, Catherine falls in love with Henry, and her genuine nature contrasts sharply with the manipulative Isabella Thorpe, who is the romantic interest of her brother. The plot takes a turn when the Tilneys invite Catherine to Northanger Abbey, where her love for Gothic novels and tendency to blur fiction with reality lead to mistaken assumptions about General Tilney (that he killed his wife).However, Henry clarifies the situation, revealing that Mrs. Tilney died of natural causes.
Catherine produces a tour-de-force of symbolism and signification. Henry tells Catherine, “Remember the country and the age in which we live. Remember that we are English, that we are Christians.” Henry’s rebuke declares a return to realism and a return to Christianity, two things that Catherine has departed from because of her frenzied Gothicized imagination. Then Austen informs us of Catherine’s disposition, “The visions of romance were over. Catherine was awakened. Henry’s address, short as it had been, had more thoroughly opened her eyes to the extravagance of her late fancies than all their several disappointments had done. Most grievously she was humbled. Most bitterly did she cry.” As Catherine navigates the complexities of relationships and societal expectations, her romance with Henry faces obstacles, including General Tilney's disapproval. Despite the challenges, love prevails, and Henry defies his father's wishes to propose to Catherine. The novel concludes with Catherine and Henry's marriage, offering a resolution to the humorous and romantic journey of "Northanger Abbey."
Northanger Abbey is imagined by Catherine Morland through the distorting prism of the Gothic novel During the late 18th century, Gothic novels gained immense popularity. These novels, characterized by mysterious settings, supernatural elements, and melodramatic plots, were prevalent in the literary landscape.
The Gothic in Nothanger Abbey
Gothic novels came out in Great Britain between 1764 and 1820 and had an incredible success. They were often called « romances » at the time as they did not fulfil Samuel Johnson's definition of the novel : being realistic and serving a moral purpose. They were also very popular among women and thus classified as an inferior form of literature. A good gothic novel had to have these recurring ingredients :-A pure, innocent, beautiful, gifted heroine.-A gothic Villain, an older man who persecutes the heroine-A remote Caste or Abbey (one of the reasons for Catherine's fantasies) where the persecution takes place-Ghosts, superstition, secrets, mysteries, half forgotten murders, rapes..
Here is an example of the book jacket of the novel. It was published in the United States in 1965 and marketed as a Gothic novel.
The Northanger Abbey stands in the book for an old castle but only in Catherine’s fantasy. She imagines the Northanger Abbey as an old building full of ancient legends: Her imaginations of the Abbey, however, is more mysterious than the Abbey really is. Her expectations, supported by Henry’s fictional story, clash with what Catherine really sees, which dissapoints her. As she wants to experience something similar as heroines of Gothic novels, the discovery that the Northanger Abbey is not mysterious but common modern building leads to her disappointment
Catherine knows all the people living there, but she is convinced that they are not the only occupants in the Abbey. She suspects General Tilney of hiding his wife, who is considered to be dead, in one of the secret rooms, and visits her after everybody goes to bed.
Catherine initially dismisses Tilney's eerie tale about the Abbey but later experiences a change of heart when she finds herself in a situation reminiscent of his story. Enticed by the atmosphere and fueled by a storm, she bravely opens a mysterious cabinet, expecting something dreadful. Despite the darkness and ominous sounds, she discovers a manuscript, hoping it holds secrets about the Abbey's ancient inhabitants and that she might become a Gothic novel heroine
An atmosphere of mystery and suspense is a feature of Gothic novel. In a typical Gothic novel the plot itself is built around a mystery, such as unknown parentage, a disappearance, or some other inexplicable event. The story is filled with a threatening feeling, a fear enhanced by the unknown. In the novel Northaner Abbey this feature is provoked by Henry’s story, who describes the Northanger Abbey as a place full of horrors
A sense of intrigue and tension arises as Catherine becomes aware of Mrs. Tilney's death. She repeatedly questions whether Mrs. Tilney truly passed away or simply vanished. Catherine entertains suspicions about General Tilney, considering the possibility of him being responsible for her death or having confined her to one of the concealed chambers. The ordinary circumstances of a natural death don't satisfy Catherine's curiosity, as her knowledge from books leads her to expect a different funeral process in such cases.
"Darkness impenetrable and immoveable filled the room. A violent gust of wind, rising with sudden fury, added fresh horror to the moment. Catherine trembled from head to foot. In the pause which succeeded, a sound like receding footsteps and the closing of a distant door struck on her affrighted ear" (p. 155)
“Catherine had read too much not to be perfectly aware of the ease with which a waxen figure might be introduced, and a supposititious funeral carried on.” (p. 175)
Another element of the Gothic novel present in Northanger Abbey is the portrayal of women in distress. The female characters frequently encounter events that result in fainting, fear, screams, and tears. The novel often revolves around a solitary, contemplative, and oppressed heroine whose sufferings become the focal point. This theme is closely linked to another characteristic of the Gothic novel—intense, even exaggerated, emotions.
Catherine is not an oppressed heroine, but she is terrified by circumstances. For example the storm during the first night she spent in the Abbey, in connection with the mysterious cabinet and found manuscript genuinely frightened her
"Catherine, for a few moments, was motionless with horror. It was done completely; not a remnant of light in the wick could give hope to the rekindling breath. Darkness impenetrable and immoveable filled the room. A violent gust of wind, rising with sudden fury, added fresh horror to the moment" (p.155)
The title itself suggests a Gothic setting, echoing the trend of Gothic novels being named after the locations where their mysterious and often terrifying events transpire. Austen's satire, however, lies in subverting these conventions, infusing humor into the narrative, and challenging the seriousness associated with the Gothic genre.Our heroine, Catherine Morland, spends the first half of the book having a normal Austen experience, e.g. getting chatted up by unsuitable young men and going to parties. It’s only when she visits her new friend at her country house that we move from the classic romance novel plot to that of the gothic novel. Suddenly, our heroine sees danger, deceit, and devils in every corner. She believes she is trapped in a world where terrible things happen to lovely young women and where much older men exert vicious control, so attempts to save herself. Her actions are, frequently, brave, but also result in embarrassment for both herself and her friends.
Satirizing the Gothic
Jane Austen was among the first to portray the Gothic novel's absurdities and potential danger to impressionable young readers. it depicts the misadventures of a girl who has come to regard herself as the heroine of her favorite novel
In Northanger Abbey we find many known features of what characterizes her style: her satirical tone, her mastery of language and her wit Northanger Abbey serves as a satirical commentary on the popular Gothic novels of the early 1800s, a genre characterized by mysterious settings, supernatural occurrences, and heightened emotions. In this context, satire refers to the novel's humorous and critical portrayal of the Gothic literary conventions.
Relevant definitions
PARODY
“‘stylization,’ that involves the appropriation of the utterances of others for the purposes of inserting a new orientation of meaning alongside the original point(s) of view (Mikhail Bakhtin)
SATIRE
"A literary attack through ridicule, irony and parody, in verse or prose, and intended to arouse amused contempt for its target"(Oxford Companion for the English Language)
While traditional Gothic novels are characterized by a sense of dread, suspense, and looming disaster, Northanger Abbey takes a distinctive approach by infusing Gothic elements into the narrative for humorous effect rather than for the creation of supernatural or horror scenarios. In contrast to classic Gothic works like Dracula or The Turn of the Screw, Jane Austen's novel lacks the overtly supernatural and ominous aspects inherent to the genre. However, the suspense and anxiety that are fundamental to Gothic storytelling find expression in Catherine Morland's experiences. Throughout the novel, Catherine grapples with a pervasive sense of dread, whether it's the fear of social consequences stemming from a social mishap or the apprehension surrounding the unpredictable actions of the eccentric General Tilney, who resides in a traditionally "Gothic" Abbey. Austen skillfully employs Gothic tropes within the narrative, transforming them into sources of humor rather than instigators of fear. This unique blending of suspense and wit showcases Austen's ability to play with literary conventions and underscores the novel's satirical nature.
The Northanger Abbey is considered a gothic parody because it satirizes the form and conventions of the Gothic novels that were popular during the time when Jane Austen wrote her novel. Austen targeted Anne Radcliffe’s gothic novel The Mysteries of Udolpho. She directly mocks the genre with her references to Anne Radcliffe’s book. Catherine, the main character of Northanger Abbey, is a wide-eyed reader of Radcliffe’s books. On the way from Bath to Northanger Abbey, the Tilney family seat, Henry tells a humorous hypothetical story about Catherine’s first night in the Abbey, including typical features of gothic novel. He teasingly provides a description that is a composite of details from Radcliffe’s novels
The humorous aspect of the novel 'Northanger Abbey' lies in the fact that despite numerous setbacks, Catherine remains persistent. She has an inherent need to uncover secrets about the abbey. Even after being deceived by both the abbey itself and the manuscript, she falls for Henry's mother's story.While staying at Northanger Abbey, Catherine learns from Eleanor about a portrait of their mother in her father's bedroom. The apparent coincidence is too striking for her to resist the urge to see it. However, when Catherine finally views the portrait, it lacks any eerie or mysterious qualities; instead, it appears entirely ordinary. Once again, Catherine finds herself deceived, realizing that her expectations, fueled by her readings, have led her astray.
Upon discovering the manuscript, Catherine promptly draws a comparison to other manuscripts she encountered in Radcliffe's novels. She recognizes that this manuscript is not as lengthy as the ones that typically induced fear in her readings, stating, "She [Catherine] now plainly saw that she must not expect a manuscript of equal length with the generality of what she had shuddered over in books" (Ref. 9). This comparison leads her to see herself in the context of a Gothic novel heroine. The influence of her Gothic novel readings has instilled in her the absolute necessity of finding an object that would propel her into an adventure, akin to the manuscripts featured in 'The Romance of the Forest' or 'The Mysteries of Udolpho.'
Catherine knows all the people living there, but she is convinced that they are not the only occupants in the Abbey. She suspects General Tilney of hiding his wife, who is considered to be dead, in one of the secret rooms, and visits her after everybody goes to bed.
She thinks "that some very different object must occasion so serious a delay of proper repose. To be kept up for hours, after the family were in bed, by stupid pamphlets, was not very likely. There must be some deeper cause" (pp.172-3)
Austen’s satiric intention manifests one of her quality untypical for that period – she was always standing on firm ground by both her feet and was able to look round with a slightly ironic smile. (Austen 2004, p.361)
Real
Fantasy
vs
The locations and characters in Northanger Abbey exhibit realism, with authentic customs and the actual master of the ceremony of the Bath Upper Rooms being part of the narrative, accurately reflecting late eighteenth-century practices. A notable aspect of realism is evident in the explicit references to real books and authors, such as The Mysteries of Udolpho, The Monk, and The Italian. Jane Austen's meticulous attention to details and verisimilitude contributes to a faithful portrayal of society. Despite this commitment to realism, Northanger Abbey, as a Gothic parody, delves into the supernatural and the artificial
The novel challenges reality, and the protagonist, Catherine Morland, perceives her surroundings as if she were in a Gothic novel. In Gothic literature, there is an exploration of the supernatural and a confrontation with dark forces, representing the obscure aspects of the human soul. While Gothic novels typically lean towards slight realism in depicting the supernatural world, Northanger Abbey serves as a bridge between realism and the supernatural. This intersection allows Jane Austen to not only entertain but also to educate her readers about human nature. The novel becomes an "instrument of enlightenment,"(4 Melissa Schaub, Irony and Political Education in Northanger Abbey ) where the coexistence of realism and the supernatural facilitates a deeper understanding of the human psyche.
Catherine Morland arrives at the Abbey (page 161), eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of her excitement. However, a sudden downpour obstructs her view of the Abbey's exterior, creating an ironic twist. It is only after experiencing her ultimate humiliation that she is able to perceive the Abbey differently, no longer viewing it solely as a backdrop for Gothic novels. This transformation occurs just before Northanger ceases to hold a special significance for her, transitioning into a place that is "no more to her than any other house" (page 212).
Catherine realizes that everything was only “self-created delusion” (p. 183) adapted to the situation because she was looking forward to the fear she may meet in the Abbey. She comes to the conclusion that she was influenced by reading novels such as The Mysteries of Udolpho isز
"Her mind made up on these several points, and her resolution formed, of always judging and acting in future with the greatest good sense, she had nothing to do but to forgive herself and be happier than ever; and the lenient hand of time did much for her by insensible gradations in the course of another day. (p. 185)
In the scene in which she enters Mrs Tilney’s “mysterious apartments” to search for “proofs of the General’s cruelty” (either that he murdered his wife or imprisons her there still), Catherine’s vivid imagination is what leads her to conviction that the General murdered his wife
On the way to investigate Mrs. Tilney’s bedroom she is caught and scolded by Henry. He is very surprised by Catherine’s speculations. He explains her the real circumstances of his mother’s illness and death, and the relationship between his parents. He reproaches her for the fictions she believed in. He appeals to her conscience:
"Consult your own understanding, your own sense of the probable, your own observation of what is passing around you -- Does our education prepare us for such atrocities? Do our laws connive at them? Could they be perpetrated without being known, in a country like this, where social and literary intercourse is on such a footing; where every man is surrounded by a neighbourhood of voluntary spies, and where roads and newspapers lay every thing open? Dearest Miss Morland, what ideas have you been admitting?" (p. 182)
Conclusion
In "Northanger Abbey," Jane Austen skillfully blends the real with the imaginary by playing with the conventions of Gothic literature and satirizing them. The novel follows Catherine Morland, an avid reader of Gothic novels, as she navigates the social world of Bath and later Northanger Abbey. Austen incorporates elements of Gothic fiction into the narrative, such as mysterious settings, family secrets, and romantic intrigues.
However, what makes Austen's approach unique is her juxtaposition of Gothic fantasies with the mundane realities of everyday life. While Catherine imagines dark mysteries and sinister plots akin to those found in Gothic novels, the actual events she encounters are often ordinary and unremarkable. Austen uses this disjunction to satirize the exaggerated and sensationalized nature of Gothic literature.
The fusion of the real and the imaginary occurs through Catherine's perspective and her tendency to interpret her surroundings through the lens of Gothic novels. This blending of genres allows Austen to both engage with and poke fun at the popular literary trends of her time, creating a novel that is both a parody of Gothic fiction and a commentary on the dangers of letting imagination run unchecked.
And so in this novel, Austen not only showcases her narrative genius but also leaves us with a timeless exploration of human nature and the enduring charm of storytelling. "Northanger Abbey" remains a literary gem, inviting us to embrace the balance between reality and imagination and encouraging us to approach life with a discerning eye and a healthy dose of humor.
References
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