As Catherine progresses from a young girl with a 'mind about as ignorant and uninformed as a female mind at seventeen usually is' (Northanger Abbey p.7) to eventually become the wife of Henry Tilney, she learns to recognise loyalty in her friendships. In a novel full of misunderstandings, Catherine must learn to identify the true and sincere from the false and flippant.
A Social Comedy Set in Bath
In Bath, superficial friendships develop from fragile acquaintanceships. One such friendship is between Catherine and Isabella. Eight or nine days after arriving in Bath, the reader is informed Catherine and Isabella have made a' very warm attachment' (Northanger Abbey p.25). Isabella's conversation is shallow as she quickly changes from one subject to the next, from the weather to hats with ribbons to novels. She uses exaggerated terms of endearment and flattery, interspersing her talk with compliments. She doesn't say what she means. She is too self-centred and interested in her own marriage prospects to form geniune relationships with her friends.
In contrast, Eleanor Tilney is presented as an agreeable and tactful character. Eleanor's language is sincere and free of affectation. Catherine and Eleanor's friendship grows slowly but she is the one who becomes the true and faithful friend. Although Eleanor sees through Catherine's naive ways, she does not try to manipulate her. She defends her against her brother's teasing and makes sure she has enough money for her journey home when banished from Northanger Abbey.
Broken Promises and Trusts
A misunderstanding is caused by John Thorpe's selfish and unscrupulous behaviour when he breaks Catherine's arrangement to walk with Eleanor. Initially, Catherine believes that John, as brother of her friend Isabella and friend of her own brother, must be someone to be well regarded. His conversations though, concerning his horses and novel reading, show he is greedy and happy to lie and cheat. In contrast Henry Tilney represents fidelity. Henry is puzzled by the expression 'A faithful promise' (Northanger Abbey p.153) as he cannot see that a promise can be anything but faithful.
Gothic Conventions at the Abbey
The gothic explores tyranny with an oppressive patriarchal figure, General Tilney. He, wishing to impress Catherine, confuses her with mixed messages. She believes he has locked up and murdered his wife. Although fantastical, the gothic interpretation helps her shed light on him. As insight into domestic reality is achieved so Catherine's growth can be seen by a comparison between when she had 'sought some suspense of agony' (Northanger Abbey p.133) to the rejection of the gothic elements when she lay awake 'without curiosity or terror' (Northanger Abbey p.178).
Marrying Henry Tilney
Following his heart, Henry asks Catherine to marry him in spite of his father, General Tilney. Catherine is vulnerable in society and needs the guidance of a mature man so that she can become enlightened about society.
 |
