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Northanger Abbey (1798/9) is probably the earliest of Jane Austens completed works. Although it cannot be described as a gothic novel in the true sense of the word, it contains many elements which can be associated with the gothic fiction. However, it is important to see in which way Austen introduces the gothic elements. ... It would be, nevertheless, a mistake to assume that Northanger Abbey only aims at ridiculing the numerous stories of fear and horror. There are various aspects in the novel which may lead to another conclusion.
Gothic novels are tales of mystery, of the macabre and supernatural, intended to chill the spine of the reader. ... One of the most succesful and fashionable novels was The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe, and this is just the novel which Austen picks in Northanger Abbey for burlesquing the whole literary form.
Catherine Morland, the heroine of Austens novel, is most obviously not born to be a heroine - at least not a gothic one - being a happy, healthy girl, although only an “almost pretty“ one, with both parents still alive, and no one to oppress her. ... Thus, Catherines inexperience and her eagerness make her expect a gothic adventure when she is invited to Northanger Abbey by her new friends, the Tilneys. ... Although this encouragement is given in a mocking way, although the Abbey turns out to be a clean and well-lighted place, and Catherine herself notices that it has been thoroughly modernized, she still cannot give up the hope for an adventure.
Approximate Word count = 1089
Approximate Pages = 4.4
(250 words per page double spaced)
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