Old Abbey In Northanger Abbey

Northanger Abbey tells the story of a young woman’s introduction to the complications of social class and the conflict between imagination and reality. The novel begins by introducing Catherine Morland, an average girl “who had by nature nothing heroic about her” (Austen 17). By the age of seventeen, she has accomplished little of significance, so when her neighbor, Mrs. Allen, invites her to accompany her and her husband to a nearby town called Bath, Catherine readily accepts. Upon her arrival at Bath, Catherine’s confidence begins to grow. The freedom Bath granted her, and the novelty of being away from home “gave greater openings for her charms” (Austen 24). Men began to notice Catherine’s beauty, and one man in particular, Henry Tilney,

The two speak, their conversation full of astute banter, which discloses the perception of both characters. Throughout her stay at Bath, Catherine grows closer to both Mr. Tilney and his younger sister Eleanor. Eventually, the siblings invite Catherine to join them on their return to one of the Tilney family homes, an old abbey in Northanger. Having read numerous novels concerning the mysteries held within old abbeys, Catherine eagerly accepts the offer. Catherine’s visit to the Northanger Abbey reveals both her naivety and the impressiveness of her imagination. During the carriage ride to the abbey, Mr. Tilney tells a story, not unlike the novels Catherine has read, describing an old abbey and what secrets it may hold. Catherine’s imagination gets the best of her as she becomes exceedingly invested in the story. Realizing her foolishness, she becomes “ashamed at her eagerness” and insists to Mr. Tilney that she knows his story is merely fantasy (Austen 152). Regardless, Catherine still finds herself disappointed by the buildings normalcy when they finally arrive at the abbey. Upon arrival, Catherine is given a quick tour of the abbey, during which she laments the modern