Northanger Abbey Essay- Sanya Dua Essays - Literature, Fiction

Northanger Abbey Essay- Sanya Dua Jane Austin's 19th Century text Northanger Abbey critically evaluates the values associated with the stratified society of Regency England. Austen articulates the importance of social class in the Victorian era and how it characterizes people. She examines the social expectations of woman in the patriarchal society where her character subverts these social norms. Austin highlights the dangers of an overactive imagination due to exposure to gothic literature, where she subverts the cotemporary Romantic values, evincing the importance of keeping a balance between imagination and reality. Thus Austin illuminates the difficulties and expectations of the Regency era as demonstrated in her book Northanger Abbey. Outer appearances and social status were a crucial aspect of the hierarchal society in the Regency era, as dictated by the behaviour of characters in Northanger abbey. Austin utilises horatian satire through the characterisation of Mrs Allen who is a materialistic woman primarily concerned with outer appearances as comically seen through exaggeration in, "Mrs Allen congratulated herself, on having preserved her gown from injury. It would have been very shocking to have it torn". This can be further seen with John, who is constantly boasting about his horse and carriage to impress Catherine who remains uninterested, "look at my horse, did you ever see an animal so made for speed in your life". Austen emphasizes the importance of wealth and position in the Regency era and the actions people are willing to take in order to reach the upper class as advocated by the manipulations of Isabella Thorpe who transfers her "affection" from James to his wealthier and better positioned Captain Til ney as Catherine notes, "Isabella seemed an altered creature" noting that her heart had become an "object" that could be bestowed onto another. Also, Through the characterisation of General Tilney, Austen exposes the social concerns relating to status. He values social class highly and treats those of a lower social standing than himself with disdain and rudeness as elucidated in Catherine's' sudden ejection from the Abbey "hurrying her away without any reference to her own convenience" when he finds about her lack of wealth. He believes that marriage should occur within equal classes and initially believes Catherine is not acceptable highlighting a common issue for women as commodities for exchange in the Austen's society. Austen reflects, and exposes the constraining social expectations and limited rights of woman in the regency era through characters who reflect and subvert these social norms. Whilst Catherine often adheres to the rules of her society the third person omniscient narration often alerts the reader to characters who challenge the accepted codes of behaviour. Notably, the heroine Catherine subverts the traditional female traits by displaying masculine qualities as demonstrated in "she was fond of all boys plays, and greatly preferred cricket not merely dolls." Austen further portrays her as a realistic character when she is denied the attributes of a typical Regency heroine as advocated by listing in "she had thin awkward figure, sallow skin without colour." Through a satirical lens Austen highlights the importance and social expectation of having a partner to dance with through Catherine's revelation of "disappointment" when she struggles to find one, "she longed to dance, but she had no acquaintance in the room". Austen exposes the limited woman's role in the regency society where finding a wealthy and considerable man was the only vocation afforded them." Austen conveys how gender expectations can govern love as shown through dialogue, "No young lady can be justified in falling in love before the gentleman's love is declared." Austen demonstrates the roles and responsibilities of woman in Regency England as illustrated through Mrs Morland concerns for the marriage, "Catherine would make a sad heedless young housekeeper to be sure". Au sten educates us that there is more than outer appearances and woman should act rational as illustrated when Catherine rejects John and refuses to go on the carriage, "But indeed I cannot go. If I am wrong, I am doing what I believe to be right." Indicating that she did not give into social pressures imposed on her and made her own informed choices. Austen explores the the dangers of an overzealous imagination when exposed to gothic literature, articulating