Northanger Abbey

Northanger Abbey records the story of a young lady called Catherine Morlard, who is going to come
of age (turn to 18).
The story is divided into 2 sections: book 1 and book 2.
These moments (books) are quite different both in setting and a degree in tone.

BOOK 1 starts with the Allens, friends of the Morland, who invite Catherine to Bath (where the
appear classes spend their holidays).
The protagonist accepts the invitation; she is quite young and naive, and she has been sheltered and
protected by her family, so Bath is a completely new world for her.
In Bath she is introduced to Henry Tilney, a young clergyman, who impresses with his wit and
pleasant conversation.
Catherine quickly falls in love with Henry. However after their first date she can’t see him anymore.
Meanwhile Miss Allens comes into an old acquaintance Miss Thorpe and her 3 daughters, including
Isabella who is a bit older than Catherine. They became close friends.
Isabella, who is superficial and fan of gossip, introduces Catherine into the social world of Bath with
all its rumors, dances and shows.
Catherine and Isabella meet James Morland (Catherine’s brother) and John Thorpe (Isabella’s
brother). James and John are friends from Oxford university.
Isabella starts flirting with James and they fall in love with each other.
At the same time John tries to woo Catherine, asking her to be his dance partner.
However at a ball Catherine sees Henry Tilney and she shows to be more interested in Henry.
John’s bragging and his arrogant behaviour put off Catherine.
Catherine decides to become friends with Elinor Tilney (Henry’s sister); Elinor sees that Catherine has
feelings for Henry, but she doesn’t reveal anything.
Unfortunately a shower spoils Catherine’s plans for a walk with Henry and Elinor.
On the other hand Isabella and James try to convince Catherine into riding with John. While she was
riding with John, she spots Henry and Elinor, who are walking to her house for the walk. However
John refuses to stop, angaring Catherine; she apologises to Henry and Elinor so they plan another
walk.
At this point of the story we can say that James, Isabella and John are an obstacle to Catherine's
happiness.
Catherine refuses their advice and goes for a walk with Elinor and Henry, they go walking in nature
and discover their passions for books.
When she is back home, she is informed that James and Isabella are engaged, while John leaves Bath
with a immagine that Catherine is in love with him.
Although Catherine doesn’t realise this.

*end of book 1*
BOOK 2
With the arrival of Henry’s brother, Isabella starts flirting with him, causing Elinor’s reaction.
Elinor invites Catherine to visit the Tilney home in Northanger Abbey, Catherine feels
at the prospect of visiting a real Abbey.
On the way to Northanger Abbey, Catherine imagines that the Abbey looks like a haunted castle.
Henry is amused by her fantasy and he continues by describing her first night with mysterious chests,
violent storms and secret passages.
Catherine entertains all sorts of frightening ideas about the place.
She becomes intrigued by the death of Elinor and Henry’s mother a few years before.
Her mind is so full of gothic plots that she suspects that the General (father of Henry) murdered his
wife.
At the same time Catherine receives a letter informing her that James and Isabella’s engagement has
been canceled.
Isabella tries to convince Catherine to help her to come back with James, Catherine is feeling angry
because she is manipulated.
After that Catherine returns to her home in Fullerton.
Catherine’s family is irritated by this rude behaviour, even if they are glad to have her back at home.
Catherine is feeling very miserable until Henry suddenly arrives and proposes to her, he explains that
it was John who created obstacles in their relationship.
As a matter of fact, John spoke to the General as if he were engaged to Catherine.
Finally all the misunderstandings are clear so Henry and Catherine receive the General’s consent to
their marriage. In this way the novel has a happy ending with the marriage of Henry and Catherine.

The novel is told in the third person omniscient.