northanger abbey gothic
Northanger Abbey essay
1. How far does Northanger Abbey fulfil and/or challenge some of the conventions of the gothic?
Jane Austen’s novel Northanger Abbey, is regarded by many as a light-hearted parody of the gothic genre. The term 'gothic' is defined in the Concise Oxford Dictionary of Literary terms “as a story of terror, suspense usually set in a gloomy old castle or monastery [hence gothic, a term applied to medieval architecture and thus associated in the 18th century” (page 106). In addition the inclusion of comedic references attempts to challenge conventions and pokes fun of the gothic. Austen's use of the main character Catherine challenges the stereotypes of the late seventeen hundreds. Women at the time were socialised into traditional gender roles such as cleaning, cooking and sewing, which in essence was 'training' to become a 'Lady'. Catherine breaks the mould by her 'heroic dreams' as unlike other girls she "plays, and greatly preferred cricket not merely to dolls"(page 1-2). This is indicative of the notion that the book is unique and may diverge into a new unexpected direction. It can be strongly suggested that Austen introduced the gothic theme mainly within the second half of the book, from the time Catherine went to Northanger abbey. Subsequently, this essay will explore the extent to which the novel challenges some of the conventions of the gothic. Through doing so, it will be made evident how far the novel ironically fulfils and challenges these conventions.
Catherine, was Austen's attempt at giving her readers a true gothic character. This all began when Isabella gave Catherine many gothic novels such as The mysteries of Udolpho. For example "And if rainy morning deprived them of other enjoyments, they were still resolute in meeting in defiance of wet and dirt, and shut themselves up, to read novels together” (page 36). Through
1. How far does Northanger Abbey fulfil and/or challenge some of the conventions of the gothic?
Jane Austen’s novel Northanger Abbey, is regarded by many as a light-hearted parody of the gothic genre. The term 'gothic' is defined in the Concise Oxford Dictionary of Literary terms “as a story of terror, suspense usually set in a gloomy old castle or monastery [hence gothic, a term applied to medieval architecture and thus associated in the 18th century” (page 106). In addition the inclusion of comedic references attempts to challenge conventions and pokes fun of the gothic. Austen's use of the main character Catherine challenges the stereotypes of the late seventeen hundreds. Women at the time were socialised into traditional gender roles such as cleaning, cooking and sewing, which in essence was 'training' to become a 'Lady'. Catherine breaks the mould by her 'heroic dreams' as unlike other girls she "plays, and greatly preferred cricket not merely to dolls"(page 1-2). This is indicative of the notion that the book is unique and may diverge into a new unexpected direction. It can be strongly suggested that Austen introduced the gothic theme mainly within the second half of the book, from the time Catherine went to Northanger abbey. Subsequently, this essay will explore the extent to which the novel challenges some of the conventions of the gothic. Through doing so, it will be made evident how far the novel ironically fulfils and challenges these conventions.
Catherine, was Austen's attempt at giving her readers a true gothic character. This all began when Isabella gave Catherine many gothic novels such as The mysteries of Udolpho. For example "And if rainy morning deprived them of other enjoyments, they were still resolute in meeting in defiance of wet and dirt, and shut themselves up, to read novels together” (page 36). Through