Northanger Abbey: Analysis of Major Characters
"Northanger Abbey: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and motivations of key figures in Jane Austen's novel. Central to the narrative is Catherine Morland, a young woman with a penchant for Gothic literature, whose innocence and romantic ideals often lead her into misunderstandings. During her time in Bath, she encounters the Thorpe family, including the scheming Isabella Thorpe, who initially engages Catherine's brother, James, before ultimately jilting him for Captain Frederick Tilney. The Tilney family plays a pivotal role, particularly Henry Tilney, who becomes Catherine's love interest, and General Tilney, whose mercenary nature drives much of the plot's tension. The consequences of ambition and pride surface through General Tilney's initial interest in Catherine based on a misperception of her wealth. Additionally, characters like Eleanor Tilney and John Thorpe contribute to the social dynamics and misunderstandings that characterize the story. Ultimately, the narrative is a blend of romance, social commentary, and the exploration of human relationships within the constraints of class and wealth.
Northanger Abbey: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Jane Austen
First published: 1818
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Domestic realism
Time: Early nineteenth century
Catherine Morland, a young girl whose head is filled with Gothic romances. At Bath, she meets the Thorpe and Tilney families. Her brother James is attracted to Isabella Thorpe, and John Thorpe becomes attentive to Catherine. She, however, is more interested in Henry Tilney, a younger son, whose father invites her to his home, Northanger Abbey, under the mistaken impression that she is rich and will make a good match for Henry. Overcome by the thrill of being in a real abbey, Catherine makes several foolish blunders, even thinking that her host must have murdered his wife. The visit ends when General Tilney, learning that Catherine is not rich, asks her to leave and forbids Henry to see her. Yet Henry's love proves strong enough for him to defy his father, and the lovers are finally married.
General Tilney, the owner of Northanger Abbey. Eager for money, he is polite to Catherine only because he believes her to be rich.
Captain Frederick Tilney, his older son, for whom Isabella Thorpe jilts James Morland.
Henry Tilney, the younger son, a clergyman, who marries Catherine Morland.
Eleanor Tilney, their sister. Her marriage to a Viscount puts her father into a good enough humor to permit the marriage of Henry and Catherine.
James Morland, Catherine's brother. He falls in love with Isabella Thorpe but is jilted by her.
Isabella Thorpe, a scheming young woman whom Catherine meets at Bath. She becomes engaged to James Morland but jilts him for Captain Tilney, though without much hope of marrying the latter.
John Thorpe, Isabella's stupid brother, who tries to marry Catherine and who boasts to General Tilney of her wealth. When she refuses him, he takes revenge by telling the general that she is poorer than she really is.