Northanger Abbey and the Bildungsroman - 1694 Words

The Female Bildungsroman Like other Jane Austen novels, such as Emma or Pride and Prejudice, Northanger Abbeys primary trajectory is the development of the main female character. Even though Catherine Morland is not a typical female Bildungsroman, her realizations in who she is and who she is becoming are very evident throughout the novel. Websters Dictionary defines the Bildungsroman as a novel which traces the spiritual, moral, psychological, or social development and growth of the main character towards maturity. In this novel, the main developments of Catherine being traced are the social, psychological, emotional, and intellectual, in addition to her growth as a fully functional lady of society. This paper will focus on†¦show more content†¦Now he has made her look like a fool, which causes her to be indifferent to him for the remainder of their acquaintance. If I could not be persuaded into doing what I thought wrong, I never will be tricked into it. So when ask ed again to take a ride with John, Catherine responds If I am wrong, I am doing what I believe to be right. The sternness in her ability to make the right choices for herself is now solidified. She no longer needs to pacify others wants or requests. Through experience, Catherine is growing out of her innocence and naivety. Isabella Thorpe is not that much different than her brother. As equally as self-absorbed, rude, and lying as he, Isabella takes full advantage of Catherine. Yet why does Catherine not see through Isabella as readily as John? Even though Catherine is a bit suspicious of Isabellas actions and grows tired of her at times, she does not assume that Isabella is like John. For Isabella has something that John lacks, tact. Catherine being very naà ¯ve is not able to pick up on the actions of Isabella as readily as those of John, because, like most women, Isabella is very deceiving. Her every word and action has some unstated intention. For instance, Isabella i s asked to dance by Captain Tilney, yet declines his request by saying that it is quite out of the question, her being so preoccupied with thoughtsShow MoreRelatedNorthanger Abbey Paper1242 Words   |  5 PagesSet in 1798 England, Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey is the â€Å"coming of age† story of Catherine Morland, a naà ¯ve young girl who spends time away from home at the malleable age of seventeen. Catherine’s introduction into society begins when Mr. and Mrs. Allen, her neighbors in Fullerton, invite her to accompany them as they vacation in the English town of Bath. While in Bath, Catherine spends her time visiting newly-made friends, such as Isabella Thorpe, and attending balls and plays. Catherine soonRead MoreCatherine morland presented1539 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿How Is Catherine Morland presented in Volume one? Northanger Abbey’s primary trajectory is the development of the main female character. Even though Catherine Morland is not a typical female Bildungsroman, her realisations in who she is and who she is becoming are very evident throughout the novel. George Willis defines the Bildungsroman as â€Å"a novel which traces the spiritual, moral, psychological, or social development and growth of the main character towards maturity.† In this novel, the mainRead More Catherine Morlands Coming of Age in Jane Austens Northanger Abbey1524 Words   |  7 PagesCatherine Morlands Coming of Age in Jane Austens Northanger Abbey Jane Austens intelligence and sophisticated diction made her a revolutionary author, and her mastery surpasses most modern authors. By challenging conventional stereotypes in her novels, she gives the open-minded reader a new perspective through the message she conveys. Her first novel, Northanger Abbey, focuses on reading. However, she parallels typical novel reading with the reading of people. Catherine Morlands comingRead MoreMargaret : A Game Of Mother May I?2044 Words   |  9 Pagesto girls’ education, both formal and informal (Swords 80). In Pride and Prejudice, Mrs. Bennet takes every measure, for better or for worse, to ensure that her daughters find good marriages in an effort to secure their future. Conversely, in Northanger Abbey, Catherine Morland’s lack of an attentive mother figure results in her succumbing to the manipulative influence of Isabella Thorpe and turning to Gothic novels for advice, with disastrous consequences (Benson 117). However, the bes t example ofRead MoreRise of the English Novel5132 Words   |  21 Pagesappropriately called the English novel, and it helped to change the literary landscape forever. The English novel was not only a genre within itself, but it also formed several sub genres including historical, gothic, sentimental, epistolary and bildungsroman novels. The works within the genre were so diverse that many different types of authors were able to write according to their own styles and preferences. The development of the novel changed literature not only in England, but throughout the world