This paper is concerned with Jane Austen's novel "Northanger Abbey", which was published posthumously in 1817 and can be classified as a Gothic parody.
It will analyze the relation between the novel's protagonist Catherine Morland and Gothic novels; it seeks to determine the significance the Gothic novels have for Catherine. The paper aims to demonstrate that Catherine becomes delusional after reading Gothic novels, she is unable to differentiate between fiction and reality. Her delusions only get interrupted through comic reliefs.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Gothic Novel
2.1 General information
2.2 Characteristic elements
2.3 The Mysteries of Udolpho in Northanger Abbey
3. Character Analysis: Catherine Morland
4. Female Quixotism
5. Analysis of key scenes: How do Gothic novels influence Catherine's behaviour?
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines how the consumption of Gothic literature influences the perception and behavior of Catherine Morland, the protagonist of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. It seeks to determine whether Catherine’s fascination with Gothic tropes leads to a genuine inability to distinguish between fiction and reality, eventually classifying her as delusional within the context of the "Female Quixotism" literary trope.
- The influence of Gothic novel tropes on reader psychology.
- Character development and the influence of literary consumption on Catherine Morland.
- The concept of "Female Quixotism" in 18th and 19th-century literature.
- Analysis of specific narrative scenes demonstrating the intersection of reality and fiction.
- The stylistic and satirical use of Gothic elements by Jane Austen.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2 Characteristic elements
The following elements are distinctive for the Gothic, especially for the Gothic novel. Gothics often take place in transitional periods, e.g. The shift from the medieval period to renaissance, and connect drastically different times, the time periods clash with one another (Bowen). Times that should be over reappear in the present and derange it, an example for this are ghosts, which are from the past but live in the present (ibid.)
The stories take place in a certain setting: the characters find themselves in castles or very old mansions containing trap doors, secret passages or rooms, and dark or hidden staircases (Harris). These mansions might be located near caves, which are dark, mysterious and overall unusual, furthermore creatures such as werewolves or vampires might live in them (ibid.). The places are distant and unknown, characters know very little about them (Bowen).
All in all the setting is quite dark, this creates a sense of unease, dread and even fear (Harris). Darkness also allows for the sudden appearance of people, ghosts, monsters and so on (ibid.). Through that, the setting aids to unfold the mysterious plot. It also adds to the overall atmosphere which is the next characteristic element of Gothic novels (ibid.).
Gothic novels exhibit an atmosphere of mystery: Everything appears to be very threatening, a glimpse of something relatively usual is often enough to scare the characters and make them wonder what exactly they saw (ibid.). The entire plot might revolve around mysteries or some sort of inexplicable event (ibid.), that the characters want to resolve.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter defines the scope of the paper, specifically the relationship between Catherine Morland, Gothic literature, and the concept of delusions.
2. The Gothic Novel: This section outlines the history of the Gothic genre, its defining characteristics (setting, atmosphere, emotions), and the role of The Mysteries of Udolpho in Austen's work.
3. Character Analysis: Catherine Morland: This chapter provides a profile of the protagonist, highlighting her naivety and her tendency to use books to interpret the world.
4. Female Quixotism: This chapter contextualizes Catherine’s behavior within the historical literary trope of the overly-absorbed female reader who cannot separate reality from fiction.
5. Analysis of key scenes: How do Gothic novels influence Catherine's behaviour?: This central analytical chapter examines specific moments in the novel to show how Catherine applies Gothic tropes to her own experiences.
6. Conclusion: This final section synthesizes the findings, confirming that Catherine’s misinterpretations stem from her obsession with the Gothic genre.
Keywords
Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen, Gothic Novel, Catherine Morland, Female Quixotism, Ann Radcliffe, The Mysteries of Udolpho, Literature and Reality, Gothic Tropes, Literary Influence, Narrative Parody, Mental Delusion, 18th Century Literature, Character Analysis, Fiction and Perception.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this academic paper?
The paper focuses on Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, specifically exploring how the protagonist, Catherine Morland, is influenced by her intense reading of Gothic novels.
What are the primary thematic fields addressed in the text?
The text covers the characteristics of the Gothic genre, the psychological impact of literature on readers, the trope of the "Female Quixote," and the satirical elements of Austen’s writing.
What is the main research question or objective?
The objective is to demonstrate that Catherine Morland becomes delusional due to her reading habits, ultimately losing the ability to differentiate between Gothic fictional narratives and her actual reality.
Which scientific or analytical methods are employed?
The author uses a literary analysis approach, specifically employing "close reading" of key scenes and drawing upon secondary literature regarding historical literary tropes to support the thesis.
What key aspects are discussed in the main body of work?
The main body examines the history of the Gothic novel, provides a character analysis of Catherine, defines the concept of Female Quixotism, and analyzes three major "key scenes" where Catherine’s misperceptions are highlighted.
Which keywords best characterize this academic study?
The study is best categorized by terms such as Gothic parody, literary influence, protagonist delusions, 18th-century discourse, and psychological character development.
How does Catherine’s misinterpretation of General Tilney illustrate her delusions?
Catherine interprets everyday occurrences at Northanger Abbey through the lens of Gothic suspense, leading her to falsely believe that General Tilney is a murderer, showing her inability to see mundane reality for what it is.
Why is the concept of "Female Quixotism" vital to this analysis?
It provides a historical framework for the "overly-absorbed reader"—often female—who misleads herself by assuming the dramatic, often terrifying logic of novels applies to her own life.
- Quote paper
- Linda Marleen Mietzon (Author), 2020, Imagination or Serious Delusions? The protagonist Catherine Morland in the Gothic Novel "Northanger Abbey" by Jane Austen, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1249561
