Northanger Abbey: Reader's Response To Heroine

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above come from Catherine's extreme innocence. Jane Austen's heroine arrives in Bath as a young debutante and, entirely inexperienced in the ways of the world, is immediately impressed by the more sophisticated Isabella. After their first meeting this is clear as she watches her leave; "(she) admired the graceful spirit of her walk, the fashionable air of her figure and dress, and felt grateful, as well she might, for the chance which had procured her such a friend." Jane Austen's interjection here, ("as well she might"), expresses the reader's feelings at this point.

Up to now we have had few clues as to Isabella's less desirable character traits, and so we are guided, along with Catherine, into feeling grateful for her patronage of our heroine. No direct comment is required, however, when she displays her innocence to more amusing effect. Isabella having affected to not want the attentions of two young men who are watching her, Catherine characteristically takes her at her ...

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for her may have been reduced, however Jane Austen's presentation of Catherine as so self deprecating as to automatically put the blame for others' actions on herself increases immeasurably our sympathy and liking for the young girl. When this turns out to not have been a snub at all, but a result of General Tilney's obsession with time-keeping, we are as relieved as Catherine, as well as delighting in her unfettered enthusiasm as she considers herself 'one of the happiest creatures in the world'.

This enthusiasm is another of Catherine's endearing traits. Often, when presented with an enjoyable or pleasing situation, Catherine does not react with the controlled sense of decorum that ...

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