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what happens in northanger abbey

by Amelie Huels Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Within a few months, Eleanor marries a very wealthy and important man, which puts the General in a good mood. Once he is told of the true nature of the Morland's financial situation, which is moderate, he gives his consent, and the novel ends with the marriage of Henry and Catherine.

Full Answer

What happens to Catherine at Northanger Abbey in Great Expectations?

Catherine goes to Northanger Abbey with the Tilneys. Catherine suspects General Tilney of murder. James and Isabella's engagement ends. General Tilney goes to London and hears Catherine is poor. General Tilney sends Catherine home to Fullerton. Henry arrives and proposes to Catherine. Henry and Catherine are married.

What does Northanger Abbey turn out to be?

Northanger Abbey turns out to be quite dull, having been fixed up by General Tilney. Due to her overactive imagination, Catherine entertains all sorts of frightening ideas about the place, each of which is thwarted. For instance, a strange bureau in Catherine's room turns out to contain nothing more mysterious than receipts.

What happens to General Tilney after he leaves Northanger Abbey?

Shortly thereafter, General Tilney leaves Northanger Abbey for a trip to London. The atmosphere in the home immediately brightens, and Catherine, Henry, and Eleanor enjoy themselves for several days. Then the General returns home in a fury.

What was Henry's first night at Northanger Abbey like?

Henry, amused, responds by giving a hypothetical account of her first night at the Abbey, complete with mysterious chests, violent storms, and secret passages. Northanger Abbey turns out to be quite dull, having been fixed up by General Tilney.

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Does Northanger Abbey have a happy ending?

By Jane Austen Northanger Abbey has a very neat and tidy and rather clichéd ending: all the nice main characters get married to other nice characters and live happily ever after.

Does Catherine and Henry marry in Northanger Abbey?

He maintains control over the visitors allowed at Northanger, a ritual to which he subjects both Eleanor's future husband and Catherine. In the end, Henry and Catherine do not marry until the General consents.

What is the climax of Northanger Abbey?

The climax is a bit of a moral one – that doesn't mean it's not exciting. Catherine accuses General Tilney of being a murderer to Henry, albeit in a round about way. Probably not the best thing to tell your crush, but there you go. Henry calls her on her behavior and Catherine realizes the error of her ways.

Why does Catherine get kicked out of Northanger Abbey?

The two talk on their way, and Henry tells Catherine of his affection for her. Ah! Finally! Catherine also learns that General Tilney only kicked her out of the house because he found out she wasn't as rich as he'd supposed.

Why does Mr Tilney love Catherine?

Austen ironically points out that a girl like Catherine is always able to attract a clever man who just wants to be admired. He, in fact, loves her specifically because he is assured of her own affection for him! Austen goes into detail about this when she recounts his proposal.

Who does Eleanor Tilney marry?

viscountcyEleanor Tilney is the only daughter of General Tilney, an ambitious man who wants his children to marry for wealth and status; however, Eleanor has fallen in love with her brother Henry's penniless friend who visited Northanger Abbey. By chance, her lover inherits a viscountcy, and she is able to marry him.

Who is married by the end of Northanger Abbey?

Henry Tilney: A quirky 26-year-old well-read clergyman, brother of Eleanor and Frederick Tilney, and a member of the wealthy Tilney family. He is Catherine's love interest and comes to return her feelings in the course of the novel and marries her in the end.

What is the moral of Northanger Abbey?

The moral lessons we can learn from Northanger Abbey are to practice the virtues of prudence, benevolence, justice, and self-command, and to avoid the vices of vanity, pride, and greed. Both Smith and Austen employ the concept of an “impartial spectator” that helps us develop these virtues and avoid these vices.

How old is Catherine in Northanger Abbey?

seventeen years oldThe protagonist of Northanger Abbey. Catherine is seventeen years old, and has spent all her life in her family's modest home in the rural area of Fullerton. While Catherine has read many novels (particularly Gothic novels), she is very inexperienced at reading people.

Who does Isabella develop feelings for after she and James are engaged?

She is angry when Catherine refuses. Isabella gets engaged to James Morland, but her excitement is tempered when she learns that James doesn't have that much money. Disappointed in her engagement, Isabella begins flirting with the handsome and wealthy Captain Tilney.

What happens to Isabella in Northanger Abbey?

Isabella ends up unmarried and alone; she cannot be taken into the society she aspires to join because she has not learned the lessons of respect and compassion; she has, in Austen's sense, no manners, no propriety.

What does Catherine find inside the sealed chest on a dark stormy night in Northanger Abbey?

The next morning Catherine reads the rolled papers that she had discovered in the chest and is disappointed to learn that they are ancient laundry bills. She is embarrassed by her actions with the chest and blames Henry for exciting her curiosity the previous day.

How old is Catherine in Northanger Abbey?

seventeen years oldThe protagonist of Northanger Abbey. Catherine is seventeen years old, and has spent all her life in her family's modest home in the rural area of Fullerton. While Catherine has read many novels (particularly Gothic novels), she is very inexperienced at reading people.

What happens to Isabella in Northanger Abbey?

Isabella ends up unmarried and alone; she cannot be taken into the society she aspires to join because she has not learned the lessons of respect and compassion; she has, in Austen's sense, no manners, no propriety.

What happens to Eleanor Tilney?

At the General's behest, Eleanor tells Catherine she must leave Northanger Abbey. The errand upsets Eleanor and she begs Catherine to write her. Fortunately, Eleanor is able to marry the man she loves after he inherits a fortune and she becomes a Viscountess.

Who is the hero in Northanger Abbey?

In Jane Austen's words, Henry Tilney, the hero of Northanger Abbey, seemed to be about “four or five and twenty, was rather tall, had a pleasing countenance, a very intelligent and lively eye, and, if not quite handsome, was very near it.” In addition he came from a respectable family in Gloucestershire.

What did John tell General Tilney about Catherine?

In Bath, when John thought Catherine loved him, he had told General Tilney that Catherine was from a very wealthy family. When the General ran into John much later, after Isabella had told John about Catherine's true feelings, John had angrily told the General that the Morlands were almost poor.

What does Catherine tell Henry about Northanger Abbey?

On the way, Catherine tells Henry how she imagines the Abbey to resemble the haunted ruins of the Gothic novels she loves. Henry, amused, responds by giving a hypothetical account of her first night at the Abbey, complete with mysterious chests, violent storms, and secret passages. Northanger Abbey turns out to be quite dull, having been fixed up by General Tilney. Due to her overactive imagination, Catherine entertains all sorts of frightening ideas about the place, each of which is thwarted. For instance, a strange bureau in Catherine's room turns out to contain nothing more mysterious than receipts. Catherine becomes intrigued by the death of Eleanor and Henry's mother years earlier. Her mind full of Gothic plots, Catherine suspects that General Tilney of murdering his wife. Catherine sneaks into the mother's old chamber and discovers nothing. She is caught by Henry, who guesses her thoughts and scolds her. Mortified and ashamed, Catherine quickly resumes her good behavior.

What is Catherine intrigued by?

Catherine becomes intrigued by the death of Eleanor and Henry's mother years earlier. Her mind full of Gothic plots, Catherine suspects that General Tilney of murdering his wife. Catherine sneaks into the mother's old chamber and discovers nothing. She is caught by Henry, who guesses her thoughts and scolds her.

What is the Northanger Abbey?

Northanger Abbey. Northanger Abbey is the coming-of-age story of a young woman named Catherine Morland. It is divided into two sections, Book I and Book II. The two Books differ significantly from each other in setting and, to a degree, in tone. Book I begins when the Allens, family friends of the Morlands, offer to take Catherine ...

What does Catherine tell Isabella to write him?

Catherine tells Isabella to write him and tell him, with her apologies, that he is mistaken. Frederick appears and flirts with Isabella, who returns his attentions. Dismayed by this behavior, Catherine asks Henry to convince Frederick to leave Isabella alone.

What does the General say about Catherine marrying Henry?

Catherine gets another letter, this time from Isabella, telling her that Frederick has left her, and asking Catherine to apologize to James for her. Angry at being manipulated, Catherine wishes she had never known Isabella.

How old is Catherine in Book I?

The 17-year-old Catherine eagerly accepts the Allens' invitation. Catherine is young and naïve.

Why did the Morlands give permission for Catherine and Henry to marry?

The Morlands give their permission for Catherine and Henry’s marriage on the condition that the General give his. Eventually, after Eleanor marries a rich Viscount, and the General learns that Catherine is not as poor as he had been led to believe, he gives his permission, and Catherine and Henry are married.

What does Isabella learn about James and the Morlands?

The next day, Isabella learns how much the Morlands will give her and James. Isabella seems disappointed about the amount of money and suggests that Mr. Morland has not been generous. Catherine feels hurt, but Isabella says she is only disappointed that she and James must wait several years to marry.

What does Isabella tell Catherine about James?

The next day, Isabella tells Catherine that she and James are engaged, but she worries the Morlands will not approve of her as a daughter-in-law. Catherine had not suspected their romance and is shocked and overjoyed. As Catherine is leaving the Thorpes’ lodgings, John waylays her. He talks in abstract terms about their marrying, but she hardly listens and understands nothing.

How does John convince Catherine to go on another carriage ride?

John convinces Catherine to go on another carriage ride by saying he saw the Tilneys driving out of town. From the carriage, Catherine sees the Tilneys walking through town. She is angry at John, who seems to have lied about seeing the Tilneys, but he refuses to stop the carriage so she can get out.

Why did Henry ask Catherine to marry him?

He explains that the General was misled in Bath by John to believe that Catherine was very rich, then subsequently told by John in London that she was quite poor. The General wanted Catherine to marry Henry when he believed she was an heiress, then rushed back to expel her from Northanger when he learned she was not. Henry, to his father’s shock, refuses to obey the command to forget her.

What is the first chapter of Northanger Abbey?

Volume 1, Chapter 1. Northanger Abbey begins by introducing us to its heroine, Catherine Morland, an unexceptional but kind girl of seventeen. She has grown up in the countryside, the eldest daughter of a parson in a family of ten children. Catherine is a plain child, but gets prettier as she gets older.

What does Catherine tell Henry about his brother leaving Bath?

She asks Henry to tell his brother to leave Bath, but Henry says no outside interference should be needed to ensure Isabella’s loyalty to James. Soon after, Catherine leaves Bath with the Tilneys. On the ride there, Catherine tells Henry how excited she is to go to a real abbey like the ones she has read about.

Why did Henry follow Catherine to Fullerton?

General Tilney felt the disparity in social classes was too great, which is why he cast her out. Nevertheless, Henry has made the journey to Fullerton in defiance of his father and as a testament to his love for Catherine . He proposes, and she accepts. When they tell her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Morland accept the news, but they inform the couple that the marriage can only move forward with General Tilney's approval.

What was the first book Jane Austen wrote?

Northanger Abbey is the first book written by the beloved English novelist Jane Austen. Though it wasn't published until after her death in 1817, Austen wrote the novel in 1803, intending it as a satire of the gothic novels that were popular during this period.

Why did James break off his engagement to Isabella?

Then, James breaks off his engagement to Isabella after he learns that Isabella has been secretly seeing Frederick. However, Frederick never intended to marry her; he was only flirting. Now, Isabella's predicament makes her the source of considerable gossip and all but ruins her. As Catherine watches Isabella's ostracism from polite society, she comes to realize for the first time that Isabella and the Thorpes had been using and manipulating Catherine and James for some time. The friendship she shared with Isabella, Catherine realizes, was all a charade, as was the romance between Isabella and James.

What causes Catherine's confusion?

Catherine's innocence causes her great confusion as she tries to make sense of Isabella's contradictory behavior. Henry, his sister, Eleanor, and their father, the controlling General Tilney, leave Bath, but they ask Catherine to visit them at their family home, Northanger Abbey.

Where is Catherine from?

Catherine is one of ten children born to a clergyman in the small English village of Fullerton. Life is fairly humdrum and routine, and Catherine finds escape in the gothic novels of the day. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are a wealthy childless couple who invite Catherine to visit the resort town of Bath with them as their guest.

Who proposes to Eleanor in the meantime?

In the meantime, a wealthy nobleman proposes to Eleanor. This leads General Tilney to change his mind about Catherine, since Eleanor's husband will ensure the Tilneys stay in solid social standing. The General also learns that while Catherine's family is not wealthy, they are far from penniless, as John had claimed. With the General's approval granted, Catherine and Henry marry.

Who is Catherine's brother in Bath?

Allen's old friends. Coincidentally, Isabella's brother, John, is at Oxford with Catherine's brother, James, and the two are friends.

What does John tell General Tilney about Catherine?

John tells General Tilney that Catherine is well-off.

Where does General Tilney go?

General Tilney goes to London and hears Catherine is poor.

Where does Catherine go in the book?

Catherine goes to Northanger Abbey with the Tilneys.

What is the chemistry between Catherine and Henry?

The chemistry between Catherine and Henry is immediately evident. Catherine has to resist laughing as Henry makes fun of the conventions of small talk, fixing his face in a "simpering countenance" and asking banal questions in an affected voice. Henry is playing a game with Catherine, and she easily plays along. Henry flirts with Catherine, outlining a hypothetical journal entry for her. Catherine is charmed by his playfulness, though she is both amused and dismayed by Henry's gentle fun at Mrs. Allen's expense. This chapter sets up the dynamic that will exist between Henry and Catherine for most of the novel. Henry's wit and urbanity puts him one step ahead of Catherine, and he is a much better judge of character than she is.

How does Austen meet Henry?

In this chapter, Austen makes the meeting between her "heroine" and Henry to occur primarily through dialogue. Henry supplies the ironic wit that is usually the province of the narrator. It is only at the end of the chapter, with commentary on how women should wait for men to fall in love with them, that the narration resumes its ironic tone. Austen generally employed three methods of presenting her story: narration, dialogue, and free indirect discourse, which will be discussed in the Analysis for Volume I, Chapter X.

What are the three methods of presenting Austen's story?

Austen generally employed three methods of presenting her story: narration, dialogue, and free indirect discourse, which will be discussed in the Analysis for Volume I, Chapter X. Chapter IV introduces Isabella. Like Henry, Isabella will be a teacher to Catherine, but of a different sort.

What is Henry playing with Catherine?

Henry is playing a game with Catherine, and she easily plays along. Henry flirts with Catherine, outlining a hypothetical journal entry for her. Catherine is charmed by his playfulness, though she is both amused and dismayed by Henry's gentle fun at Mrs. Allen's expense.

Who said women are better at letter writing than men?

The discussion turns to letter-writing. Henry claims that women are better letter-writers than men, except for three problems: "a general deficiency of subject, a total inattention to stops, and a very frequent ignorance of grammar.".

How old was Charles Grandison when Northanger Abbey was written?

Sir Charles Grandison (1754) was more than 40 years old by the time Northanger Abbey was written. Isabella’s disdain for this book is another sign that she is mainly interested in novels as a sign of her own fashionableness and worldliness.

What does Isabella ask Catherine?

Isabella asks Cather ine what she will wear that evening, because she wants to dress exactly like Catherine, something which men sometimes notice. Catherine says she does not care if men will notice, and Isabella agrees that she never does anything to please men. Isabella asks what kind of complexion Catherine prefers in a man, then after Catherine responds Isabella notes that Catherine's description matches the description she gave of Mr. Tilney exactly. Isabella describes the complexion she prefers in a man, then says that Catherine must never comment on this if they meet someone with that complexion. Catherine promises that she never will. Isabella says she has said too much and they should drop the subject, which puzzles Catherine.

What does Isabella say about Miss Andrews?

Isabella says that Miss Andrews is beautiful but men never appreciate her beauty, and adds that she sticks up for her friend by scolding them. Catherine is surprised that Isabella would scold men for not being attracted to someone. Isabella says that no one would ever slight Catherine, who is very attractive to men. Catherine is again surprised and blushes, but Isabella says that Catherine has the animation which Miss Andrews lacks. Isabella says that she saw a young man looking at Catherine as if he loved her the day before, but she knows that Catherine can only think of one man. Catherine says that Isabella should not encourage her to think about Mr. Tilney because he may never return. Isabella says she is sure Catherine would be miserable if she did not believe that Mr. Tilney would return, but Catherine responds that she cannot be miserable so long as she is reading Udolpho, and they resume talking about the book.

What does Isabella say about the two young men?

Isabella says that she sees two young men staring at them and that they ought to move. After they move, she asks if the men are still looking at them. She suggests that they go to look at her new hat, and Catherine says that they may run into the two young men if they leave right then. Isabella says that she never changes her behavior to suit young men, and they set off to follow Isabella’s plan to see the hat, while actually walking quickly in pursuit of the two men.

Where do Isabella and Catherine meet?

Isabella and Catherine meet in the Pump-room and have a warm and affectionate conversation. Isabella says that she saw a beautiful hat in a shop window. She asks Catherine if she has continued to read the novel Udolpho, and Catherine tells her which part in the book she is reading. Catherine speculates enthusiastically about what will happen in the coming chapters, saying she is sure there will be a skeleton hidden behind the black veil. Isabella says that she has a list of other terrifying novels given to her by her friend Miss Andrews.

Does Catherine recognize Isabella's flattery?

Catherine does not recognize Isabella’s flattery for what it is, but instead looks to the more-experienced Isabella as a source of wisdom. Isabella talks coyly about Catherine’s feelings for Mr. Tilney, but at this point, having only met the man once, Catherine honestly admits that she has not pledged her heart to him and is too caught up in her book to feel very sad at his absence. Catherine does not overstate how much she cares for Mr. Tilney for dramatic effect, in the way the fashionable Isabella thinks appropriate.

Does Catherine notice Isabella is courting male attention?

Catherine does not notice that Isabella is courting male attention, which Isabella denies, despite the fact that they are actually following two young men out into the street. Catherine’s innocent obliviousness and Isabella’s barely concealed hypocrisy are both on absurd display to comic effect.

What chapter does Catherine leave Northanger Abbey?

Chapter V. Catherine prepares to leave for Northanger Abbey with the Tilneys. She is nervous and tries to be on her best behavior. General Tilney does his utmost to make her comfortable, but his constant ministrations actually begin to bother Catherine. She is also troubled when the General harshly scolds his son Frederick.

What does Catherine find in the corner of the room?

Catherine finds that her chamber is pleasant, and nothing like the haunted one Henry described in his story. She discovers a large chest in one corner and, curious, opens it, only to find some of Eleanor's old hats. Eleanor arrives and hurries Catherine down to dinner, nervous about displeasing the General by being late. When they get downstairs, the General loudly calls for dinner, and Catherine nearly trembles from fear of his ornery behavior. He quickly resumes his pleasant attitude toward Catherine, however. The General comments on the size of his dining parlour and notes that Catherine must be used to a larger one at the Allens. Catherine responds that Mr. Allen's parlour is not half the size of the General's, which pleases him.

What is Henry's hypothetical tale of Catherine's first night at Northanger Abbey?

Henry's hypothetical tale of Catherine's first night at Northanger Abbey is an elaborate parody of the conventions of Gothic novels, and is filled with references to actual novels. It is one of three major scenes that parody Gothic novels, along with the cabinet scene and the later scene in which Catherine sneaks into the late Mrs. Tilney's old bedroom. Henry is teasing Catherine a little, but also indulging her imagination. He enjoys weaving together the elements of several different Gothic novels in order to impress Catherine. In a way, Henry gives Catherine the Abbey he knows she wants and cannot have. We are disappointed along with Catherine at the discovery that the Abbey is boring.

Why does Catherine think Frederick is glad when he leaves?

When Frederick whispers to his sister Eleanor that he will be glad when they have all left, Catherine thinks this is due to the General's tendency to be rude to his children. The party leaves with Catherine and Eleanor in one carriage, and the General and Henry in the other.

What did Catherine discover in the story?

In the story Henry told, Catherine discovered a strange manuscript; in actual fact, Catherine discovers a pile of papers. Before she can read them, however, her candle goes out, and she hears the patter of footsteps.

What does Henry tell Catherine about the Abbey?

He then tells a hypothetical story about Catherine's visit, complete with mysterious chests, violent storms, and hidden passages.

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1.Northanger Abbey - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northanger_Abbey

20 hours ago Henry, amused, responds by giving a hypothetical account of her first night at the Abbey, complete with mysterious chests, violent storms, and secret passages. Northanger Abbey …

2.Northanger Abbey: Full Book Summary | SparkNotes

Url:https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/northangerabbey/summary/

35 hours ago Northanger Abbey begins by introducing us to its heroine, Catherine Morland, an unexceptional but kind girl of seventeen. She has grown up in the countryside, the eldest daughter of a parson …

3.Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen Plot Summary | LitCharts

Url:https://www.litcharts.com/lit/northanger-abbey/summary

7 hours ago Catherine Morland, the daughter of a country parson, is the innocent abroad who gains worldly wisdom: first in the fashionable society of Bath and then at Northanger Abbey itself, where she …

4.Northanger Abbey | novel by Austen | Britannica

Url:https://www.britannica.com/topic/Northanger-Abbey

21 hours ago Northanger Abbey follows the life and loves of its unlikely heroine, seventeen-year-old Catherine Morland, a naïve young woman away from her family for the first time and trying to navigate …

5.Northanger Abbey Summary and Study Guide

Url:https://www.supersummary.com/northanger-abbey/summary/

20 hours ago 32 rows · Catherine goes to Northanger Abbey with the Tilneys. Chapter 20 Her first week there Catherine suspects General Tilney of murder. Chapter 23 April James and Isabella's …

6.Northanger Abbey Chapter Summaries | Course Hero

Url:https://www.coursehero.com/lit/Northanger-Abbey/summaries/

10 hours ago  · What happens at the end of Northanger Abbey? Within a few months, Eleanor marries a very wealthy and important man, which puts the General in a good mood. Once he is told of …

7.Northanger Abbey - SparkNotes

Url:https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/northangerabbey/section3/

36 hours ago Northanger Abbey Summary Chapter III Catherine and Mrs. Allen attend the Lower Rooms, a gathering place for socialites. Since Catherine has no dance partner, the master of ceremonies …

8.Northanger Abbey: Volume 1, Chapter 6 Summary

Url:https://www.litcharts.com/lit/northanger-abbey/volume-1-chapter-6

18 hours ago Sir Charles Grandison (1754) was more than 40 years old by the time Northanger Abbey was written. Isabella’s disdain for this book is another sign that she is mainly interested in novels as …

9.Northanger Abbey Volume II, Chapters V & VI Summary

Url:https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/northangerabbey/section11/

20 hours ago That night, a violent storms strikes the Abbey, causing creaks and groans that frighten Catherine. She discovers an odd cabinet at one end of her room and, intensely curious, opens all the …

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