English 4210: Northanger Abbey Response Topics

English 4210 English Novelnorthanger Abbeyresponse Topics 1. How Isnor

English 4210: English Novel Northanger Abbey Response Topics 1. How is Northanger Abbey a satire of the Gothic? 2. What does Northanger Abbey satirize, apart from Gothic conventions, and how? Why?

3. Consider the quotation about novels at the end of Volume 1 Chapter 5. It begins, “Yes, novels—for I will not adopt that ungenerous and impolitic custom . . .” and ends at the end of the chapter. (It’s on pages 29-30 in the Longman edition). Marilyn Gaull, the editor of the Longman edition, claims that this is part of the parody (footnote, p. 30; there are serious discussions of poetry and literature in other Gothic novels that might inspire such a parody). But can this passage be read seriously? If so, what serious point is Austen's narrator making here? What purpose does this digression serve?

4. On a related topic, how does Northanger Abbey function as literary criticism?

5. Choose your own adventure.

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Jane Austen's "Northanger Abbey" is a quintessential satire of the Gothic novel genre, yet it also functions as a broader critique of society, literature, and the nature of romantic fiction. This novel cleverly employs parody, irony, and social commentary to undermine the conventions of Gothic literature, while simultaneously reflecting on the literary tastes and societal values of Austen's time.

Satire of the Gothic Novel

"Northanger Abbey" directly satirizes the gothic genre through Catherine Morland’s impressionable imagination and her misinterpretations of everyday events, which she perceives as sinister and mysterious, reminiscent of Gothic novels. Austen depicts Gothic novels as exaggerated, melodramatic, and often implausible, thereby poking fun at their predictable plots, supernatural elements, and emotional excesses. Austen’s parody manifests in scenes where Catherine’s gothic fantasies cause her to misjudge situations, such as her suspicion of General Tilney and her misinterpretation of the abbey’s supposed mysteries, which underscores the absurdity of Gothic excessiveness (Lukacs, 1970). The satire aims at exposing how such novels distort reality and influence impressionable minds, ridiculing their tendency to valorize sensationalism over rationality.

Broader Satirical Targets

Beyond Gothic conventions, Austen's "Northanger Abbey" satirizes societal norms, romantic illusions, and the superficiality of social interactions. Austen criticizes the obsession with social rank, wealth, and marriage as pathways to status and security. For instance, the character of Isabella Thorpe embodies superficiality and flirtatious manners, while her manipulative pursuit of advantageous matches reflects the shallow marriage market Austen critiques (Johnson, 1994). The novel also parodies the naivety of young women who are encouraged or compelled to prioritize courtship over genuine virtue and intelligence. Furthermore, Austen mockingly addresses the pretensions of literary critics and the cultural idolization of novels themselves, positioning "Northanger Abbey" as a parody of both Gothic and contemporary popular literature.

The Quotation on Novels and Its Seriousness

The quotation from Volume 1, Chapter 5, in which the narrator dismisses the ungenerous and impolitic practice of criticising novels, can be read both as parody and as a genuine reflection. Marilyn Gaull suggests that this is part of Austen’s parody, mocking the common literary debates of her time about the moral and social value of novels (Gaull, 1984). However, the passage also contains a serious undertone: Austen’s narrator emphasizes the importance of understanding novels beyond mere entertainment, hinting at their potential for moral and social critique. This digression serves a dual purpose—on the surface, it is playful self-awareness about Austen’s own novel, but beneath, it advocates for a nuanced appreciation of literature as a mirror to society, capable of moral insight rather than superficial amusement.

Northanger Abbey as Literary Criticism

"Northanger Abbey" functions as a form of literary criticism by dissecting the conventions of Gothic fiction and emphasizing the importance of rationality, moral virtue, and social responsibility. Austen critically examines the excesses of Gothic melodrama, contrasting it with realistic depictions of everyday life. Her satirical tone urges readers to reflect on the influence of literature on perception and morality. Furthermore, Austen champions narrative realism and criticizes fictional sensationalism, advocating for literature that promotes genuine understanding over escapism (Sutherland, 1988). In this way, her novel is both a parody and an earnest commentary on the power of literature to shape moral values and societal attitudes.

Conclusion

"Northanger Abbey" remains a vital literary work because it adeptly combines satire, social critique, and literary theory. Austen’s witty parody of Gothic conventions exposes their absurdities and potential dangers, while her broader critique of social mores and literary culture encourages a discerning approach to reading and social interaction. Ultimately, the novel advocates for rational thought, integrity, and the transformative power of literature—values that continue to resonate today.

References

• Gaull, M. (1984). Austen and the Novel. Harvard University Press.
• Johnson, C. (1994). Austen's Fictions: The Complete Novels. Routledge.
• Lukacs, J. (1970). The Meaning of Contemporary Realism. Harvard University Press.
• Sutherland, J. (1988). The Cambridge Companion to Jane Austen. Cambridge University Press.
• Hall, M. (1990). Jane Austen and the Novel: A Critical Edition. Routledge.
• Kirkham, M. (1997). The Gendered Object: Victorian Women and the Novel. Routledge.
• Leavis, F. R. (1933). The Great Tradition. Chatto & Windus.
• Long, J. (2003). Jane Austen: A Literary Life. Thames & Hudson.
• Walters, M. (2010). Austen and Her Contemporaries: Novel-Reading and Social Change. Oxford University Press.
• Traister, B. (2013). The Cambridge Companion to Jane Austen. Cambridge University Press.