Chapter summaries
CHAPTER 1:
Catherine Morland is the daughter of a clergyman. Richard Morland and his wife have ten children; Catherine is the fourth oldest. At the age of ten, Catherine is described as a skinny girl with dark, lank hair and colorless skin. She is plain looking and does not care about her appearance. Cleanliness and education are of little interest to her. She would rather be playing cricket with the boys or rolling down a grassy field than practicing music, drawing, or learning French, the entertainments of most girls her age. Catherine is very attentive and patient with her siblings and gently cares for the six sisters and brothers born after her. She loves small animals like mice and birds, is not quarrelsome with her parents or older brothers, and abhors being confined indoors. As Catherine matures from ten to fifteen, her parents notice physical changes in their daughter. Her features are softened by the extra weight she puts on, and her attention is diverted from dirt to the refinement of nice clothes. Her parents are often overheard saying that Catherine has become “almost pretty.” Although Catherine prefers riding horses to reading books, she does enjoy novels. It is through books of fiction that Catherine forms her opinions of who might be considered a hero and what that entails. Her definitions of heroism have nothing to do with the life around her, though. None of her family’s friends have sons her age. There are no young lords to stir her passions. When she turns seventeen, a friend of her father’s, Mr. Allen, who is described as a warm-hearted man, must travel to Bath to treat an ailment. Mrs. Allen surmises that if a young girl cannot find adventures at home she must go elsewhere to find them, so she Allen asks the Morlands if Catherine might travel with them. When the Morlands consent, Catherine is extremely thankful. CHAPTER 3:
In the next few days, Catherine and Mrs. Allen spend much of their time shopping and roaming the streets of Bath, exploring places they have never seen before. Catherine is introduced to Henry Tilney, a twenty-four-year-old clergyman. Tilney begins a conversation with Catherine; he asks when she arrived at Bath and what she has done since she has been there. Catherine finds the young man refreshing and well mannered. He teases her about writing in her journal when she gets home that night. After laughing over this, Tilney suggests another possible journal entry, one that is more flattering. He tells her to describe him as a very agreeable young man who seems like an extraordinary genius. Mrs. Allen joins their conversation but talks of nothing but dresses. Mr. Tilney, it turns out, knows a lot about fashion and fabric. He claims to buy material out of which his sisters make dresses. Catherine is slightly embarrassed by this conversation, thinking that Mrs. Allen has spent too much time absorbed in a frivolous subject. The couple soon leaves Mrs. Allen’s company as the dancing has begun. As they walk toward the dance floor, Mr. Tilney notices the strange expression on Catherine’s face and asks what she is thinking about. She had been considering his personality, thinking him somewhat foolish. She does not want to expose her thoughts to him, so she tells him she was not thinking about anything at all. The narrator warns the reader that if a young lady was to dream about Mr. Tilney that it is improper, since a gentleman should dream about a lady first. CHAPTER 5:
Catherine is unsuccessful in her hopes of meeting up with Henry Tilney at the theater. The next day she attends church service with the Allen’s and afterward visits the pump-room with the Thorpe’s. No Henry. She and Isabella walk arm in arm to the Crescent and talk in unreserved friendship with much enjoyment. Catherine continues to watch out for Henry, but he appears to have left Bath. This mystery increase Catherine’s anxiety to know him more. Isabella encourages Catherine to think of him adding that ‘She liked him the better for being a clergyman, “for she must confess herself very partial to the profession.” Mrs. Allen is satisfied that they now have acquaintances in Bath, and that her clothes are finer than the Thorpe’s. She encourages the relationship between the two families and talks at length with Mr. Thorpe, though each talk, but neither listens. Catherine and Isabella’ friendship progresses with great tenderness. They are always arm in arm, pin up each other’s trains and when the weather drives them inside, read novels together. The Narrator proceeds to defend novel reading against threadworm critics; ‘the greatest powers of the mind are displayed, in which the most thorough knowledge of human nature, the happiest delineation of its varieties, the liveliest effusions of wit and humour, are conveyed to the world in the best-chosen language.’ CHAPTER 7:
Isabella and Catherine depart the pump-room post haste in pursuit of the two gentlemen. Cheap street is crowded and they have difficulty in proceeding and are blocked by a wildly driven gig. Surprised, they discover it is their own brothers, James Morland and John Thorpe who commence after introductions to dispute the swiftness of their travel time. John Thorpe asks Catherine how she likes his new gig and proceeds to describe all of its features including how he negotiated the price. They depart for the Thorp residence at Edgar’s building escorted by the two brothers, passing the two gentlemen who they had previously been in pursuit but now have better partners and only look back at them three times. Thorpe asks Catherine if she is fond of an open carriage and promising to drive her out every day. She accepts, in some anxiety over the propriety. As they continue to walk, Thorpe either praises or condemns every female face they pass and Catherine fearing to hazard a different opinion, changes to subject and asks him if he ever read Udolpho. He balks at the notion of reading a novel, “they are full of nonsense.” Catherine encourages him to read Udolpho, but he claims to only want to read Mrs. Radcliffe’s novels. She hesitates to inform him that she wrote Udolpho, and they discuss the other stupid book Camilla by that woman who married a French immigrant. They arrive at Mrs. Thorpe’s door. Her son John greets her with a hearty shake of the hand. CHAPTER 9: Catherine’s dissatisfaction with the evening is soothed with a return to Pulteney Street, a hearty meal, and nine hours of sleep to awaken to fresh hope and new schemes to seek out her new friend Miss Tilney in the pump-rooms and plans to go there that day. A knock at the door reveals John Thorpe who has arrived to collect Catherine for there prearrange carriage ride to Claverton Down, which she is unaware had been confirmed. Her plans to seek out Miss Tilney are delayed and she departs with John Thorpe in his gig followed by Isabella and James in another. John Thorpe warns Catherine that his horse is spirited and may bolt, but she is relieved to experience quite the contrary. Thorpe open the conversation with “Old Allen is as rich as a Jew – is not he?” which Catherine does not quite understand his meaning. He continues on about Mr. Allen’s wealth, the fact that he has no children and that she is his goddaughter, which she denies. He asks if he drinks his bottle a day, because if everyone did, there would be half as much disorder in the world. Catherine mentions that there is a great deal of wine drunk at Oxford which he denies and gives examples to the contrary. Thorpe then talks of his equipage, the spirit and motion of his horse and the spring of the carriage. Catherine admits her ignorance of such things and then agrees that “the most complete of its kind in England, his carriage the neatest, his horse the best goer, and himself the best coachman.” Catherine expresses concern for her brother James’ carriage and Thorpe distresses her by asking if she had ever seen such a little tittuppy thing in her life. The body has not a sound piece of iron, the wheels worn out and the body could be shaken to pieces with a touch. Alarmed, she asks him to stop and alert James. He discredits her concerns saying that they only get a little roll if it breaks down. Catherine does not know what to think of the two different accounts of the same things, as she had not been brought up to understand a rattle or idle assertions and impudent falsehoods and not in the habit of telling falsehoods to increase their importance. The rest of the conversation, or rather talk, began and ended with himself and his own concerns as he boasts of his horse trading, hunting, and riding skills beyond any other. Catherine lamented her ill luck in missing this opportunity to meet the Tilneys again. CHAPTER 11:
The next morning looks to troubling weather as Catherine in anticipation of her walk with the Tilney’s watches the rain in hopes of it clearing by 1:00. At half past twelve the skies begin to clear and as she looks out the window she spies two carriages and the same three person’s that had called in her prior for a ride, the Thorpe’s and her brother James who want her to ride with them to Bristol. She tells them of her prior engagement, but they say that it does not signify. They will drive to Blaze castle if they can and Catherine is intrigued asking if it is old, like the ones you read of, and they concur that it is the oldest in England with towers and long galleries. Catherine continues to decline the invitation stating that she is walking with the Tilney’s. John Thorpe tells her that he saw Mr. Tilney driving with another young lady as they drove over to pick her up. Isabella tells her the mud is very deep for walking and she must change her mind. They press Mrs. Allen to convince her, and as soon as she consents, they are off. Catherine feels unsettled about departing without communication from the Tilney’s and slighted that they did not send notice. Her anxiety is overridden by the delight of exploring an edifice like Udolpho by seeing Blaze Castle. As they travel through Bath lost in the thought of Gothic buildings she sees the Tilney’s walking toward her house and begs John Thorpe to stop. He has lied to her to get her to ride with him. She continues to ask him to stop and he only laughs and lashes his horse on. She claims he deceived her and he states there were never two men who looked so much alike. She will not enjoy the drive now. One hour out James yells at Thorpe to pull over and tells him that they must turn back, that it is to late to attempt another 8 miles. He reluctantly agrees blaming their speed on James’ poky horse and says he is a fool for not owning his own rig. Catherine states that it is because he can not afford it, and John returns with “if people who rolled in money could not afford things, he did not know who could.” She does not understand his remark and the return to Bath is not met with more than 20 words. The footman tells Catherine that the Tilney’s called shortly after her departure. Mr. Allen says he is happy they have returned early because it was a wild scheme. Catherine spends the evening with the Thorpe’s but is out of spirits. Isabella claims to be happy no to attend the Upper Rooms that evening, but it quite the contrary. She tells Catherine not to be out of sorts and that it was the Tilney’s fault for not sending a note. She and john would have gladly walked in the mud, which is the opposite attitude that she presented when she convinced her not to walk with the Tilney’s and ride with them instead. CHAPTER 13: It is decided by Isabella and James that the scheme to drive to Clifton must be reinstated and entreats Catherine to join them. She can not accept and will not be subdued by their appeals. She has just made plans with Eleanor Tilney to walk out with them tomorrow and will not change. They continue in their barrage, but she is determined and will not yield. Isabella tries to shame her into accepting, because her dearest Catherine would never deny a good friend. No change. Isabella then tries another tack, claiming that Catherine likes Eleanor better seeing herself slighted for strangers. Catherine thinks this reproach equally strange and unkind. Isabella dabs her eyes with her handkerchief and James calls Catherine quite unkind to refuse her. Isabella plays her last trump by telling Catherine if she does not go, then no one will, because she can not be the only lady in the party. Catherine suggests one of the Thorpe sisters, but John claims that he did not come to Bath to be humiliated in driving his sisters about and departs. James and Isabella continue their attack on Catherine, but she does not budge. John Thorpe returns to reveal that it has all been settled. He has spoken to Miss Tilney and told her that Catherine had sent him to change their date to Tuesday. Miss Tilney agrees, and Thorpe is quite pleased with himself as he describes the event to the group. Catherine is horrified and wants to go after Miss Tilney and immediately say that he had not authority to say such things. They restrain her from leaving and she repeatedly asks to be let go. She leaves directly in pursuit of the Tilney’s afraid of being followed and detained again. She arrives at their door just behind their own arrival and explains that she had never given permission to Thorpe to ask Miss Tilney to change the date, had never agreed to go with them and that it was all a mistake. The matter is agreeably settled and Catherine is introduced to General Tilney. They talk for a quarter of an hour and the General invites her to dine with them that evening, which she declines due to the Allen’s. He understands and offers another time and she departs for home in good spirits. She discusses the days events with Mr. Allen’s who thinks that young people riding about the countryside in open carriages not quite proper and thinks she made the right decision and Mrs. Allen agree claiming that open carriages are nasty things, a fresh gown does not have five minutes wear in them. Mr. Allen reminds Mrs. Allen that the point was if young ladies should ride in carriages, and she agrees they should not. This is a surprise to Catherine since Mrs. Allen gave her approval for the first ride. They all agree that it is best that Catherine not ride out with Thorpe again for what would the Tilney’s think of her if she were to breach propriety? CHAPTER 15: A note from Isabella entreats Catherine to come to her house the next morning. She arrives and speaks with her sister Maria who had gone on the drive in her place. They went to York and did not see Blaize Castle, so Catherine is not regretful. Isabella enters and tells Catherine that she and her brother James are engaged pending his parent’s approval. Isabella is anxious that they will consent because her fortune is so small. Isabella declares that only the smallest income is enough for her, and she is content to live in a cottage. James enters and then is off to Fullerton to speak to his parents. Catherine spends the day with the Thorpe’s who know of the engagement. James said that he would send a letter the next day, and Isabella is anxious for the news. The letter arrives revealing that all will be done for their happiness. She is the happiest of mortals. Mrs. Thorpe is elated. John Thorpe commends James as the finest fellow in the world. The letter was short and James will write later of the financial details. Isabella envisions herself the envy of all of her friends. John Thorpe thinks marrying a “famous good thing” and one marriage gets another. John is on his way to London for a fortnight and promises to visit Catherine and her parents at Fullerton. He claims to only need the girl he loves and a roof over his head to be happy. Catherine agrees and proclaims that it is the wickedest thing in existence to marry for money. John takes her speach as a form of encouragement. Catherine tells the Allen’s the news of James’ engagement, and they are pleased, but not surprised since his they guessed that his arrival in Bath to be with her. CHAPTER 17: The Allen’s and Catherine have now been in Bath six weeks, and will stay another fortnight. She knows from her brother’s engagement what can be attained, and hopes the same for herself with Henry. Catherine visits Miss Tilney to relay the news and in turn is greatly disappointed to learn that the Tilney’s plan to quit Bath in a week. Eleanor and General Tilney invite Catherine for a visit at Northanger Abbey. She is thrilled, gratified and grateful for the honor and will write home directly to her parents for permission. General Tilney reveals that after his visit with the Allen’s that day, their assurance has already been given. She receives her parent’s consent which “completed her conviction of being favoured beyond every other human creature, in friends and fortune, circumstance and chance.” Everything seemed to cooperate to her advantage through her acquaintance with the Allen’s, her friendship with Isabella, her continued intimacy with the Tilney’s, and now her passion of ancient edifices to be fulfilled. CHAPTER 19: Catherine closely observes Isabella for the next few days and she is an altered creature and not agreeable to her. Her attentions and smiles to Captain Tilney should be those of her brother James who now grows uneasy by Isabella actions. Catherine thinks that Captin Tilney’s “behaviour was so incompatible with a knowledge of Isabella’s engagement that she could not, upon reflection, imagine him aware of it.” Catherine will be departing for Northanger Abbey in a few days with the Tilney’s, but the Captain will remain in Bath. She is concerned that he does not know of Isabella’s engagement and speaks to Henry Tilney on the matter. Henry assures her that his brother does know of her engagement, and she asks him to persuade him to leave Bath and Isabella. “He knows what he is about, and must be his own master.” Henry gently reminds Catherine that if his brother’s attention to Miss Thorpe gives her brother pains then who is to blame, his brother for giving them, or Isabella for encouraging them? Catherine sincerely believes that Isabella does not intend to torment because she is very much attached to James. She does not understand how someone can flirt with one man when they are in love with another. Catherine continues to question Henry intent that he knows the answers to his brother’s actions. He assures her he does not know his heart and can only conjecture. She persists and inquires if their father can put a stop to his behavior. He replies that they are the best judge of their own relationship. His brother’s leave from the Army ends shortly, and then Isabella will only be a toast in the mess-room for a fortnight and his brother an amusing tale for her to tell of his passion to James. Catherine determined to think that Henry Tilney knew best, blamed herself for her fears, and resolved to not dwell upon it again. CHAPTER 21: Catherine proceeds to change from her traveling habit and spies a large chest tucked away in a corner. With fearful curiosity she attempts to open the lid of the chest and is stopped by a knock at the door. It is Miss Tilney’s maid who she sends away. She proceeds to dress, but is drawn back to thoughts of what is in the chest, abruptly opens it and Miss Tilney appears. She is embarrassed to be caught in such an act. Miss Tilney hints at their being late for dinner, and they hurry off to find the general looking at his watch and ordering dinner to be served. He scolds Miss Tilney for hurrying her fair friend who is out of breath from haste. Catherine comments on the size of the dinning room and General Tilney remarks that Mr. Allen’s is probably larger. The rest of the evening passes uneventfully, until the slamming of a door reminds Catherine that she is in an Abbey recollecting dreadful situations and horrid scenes. She returns to her chamber comforted that it as safe as her chamber at Fullerton, “scorned the causeless fears of an idle fancy.” She sees a high old fashioned ebony cabinet, not unlike the one the Henry described earlier that day. She takes her candle and investigates working the lock for sometime before she succeeds to reveal the inner drawers. All are empty save one, in which she seizes a roll of paper. She has the document and is ready to read it when her candle is extinguished by a gust of wind. In complete darkness, she hears running footsteps in the hall and jumps into bed. The storm continues to rage and the wind howls. She hears hollow mummers and distant screams in the hall. As the clock chimes three, the tempest subsides, and she finds sleep. CHAPTER 23: The General appears and conducts the tour of the interior extolling it’s every modern detail and comfort. The tour continues through every room and every detail of furnishing and architecture. As they tour the upper bed chambers, he reveals some of the past distinguished visitors and hopes that their “friends from Fullerton” might be guests in future. General Tilney keeps the party from exploring a certain passage, and Catherine finds this intriguing. Eleanor reveals that she was going to lead her to her mother’s room, the room where she died. Catherine is not surprised that he does not want to enter the scene that would remind him “left him to the stings of conscience.” When Catherine and Eleanor are alone, she expresses a wish to see Mrs. Tilney’s room. She learns that it has been 9 years since her death. “And nine years, Catherine knew, was a trifle of time, compared with what generally elapsed after the death of an injured wife, before her room was put to rights.” Eleanor was not at home when her mother died suddenly, and this made Catherine’s blood run cold with the horrid suspicion that their father had killed her. Latter when General Tilney excuses himself from his guest to study government pamphlets, she is convinced that it is for some other dubious propose, possibly to visit Mrs. Tilney in a locked tower and feed her course food. The mystery was yet to be unraveled. She reflects that only today she might have been within feet of the forbidden gallery and the cell in which Mrs. Tilney had languished. CHAPTER 25: Catherine’s visions of romance are over. Henry’s questions had opened her eyes to the extravagance of her late fancies. She cried bitterly, fearful that he would despise her forever. At dinner she could barley talk. Henry paid more attention to her than usual raising her spirits. She is determined to judge and act in the future only with good sense and forgive herself. Henry is noble and attentive and never mentions the incident again. Nine days have passed since she left Bath with no promised letter from Isabella. Then a letter from James arrives on the tenth day from Oxford revealing that he has broken off his engagement with Isabella, unable to bear her duplicity any longer and wishing Catherine away from Northanger before Captain Tilney makes his engagement known. He cautions her to beware where she gives her heart. Henry is witness to her distress. They sit down to breakfast and she is despondent, excuses herself to her rooms which are occupied by the maids. She goes into the drawing room and Eleanor and Henry try to comfort her to no avail. Her friends are very concerned. After she composes herself she requests that if they know of Captain Tilney’s return she will be alerted immediately because something has happened that would make it dreadful to be in the same house as him. Henry guesses the trouble, followed by Catherine’s declaration that Isabella has left her brother for theirs. Henry thinks that she is misinformed. Catherine gives Henry the letter to read and he acknowledges it. Eleanor questions who Miss Thorpe is and if she has any money. Catherine says that money is no consequence to their Father since “he only valued money as it allowed him to promote the happiness of his children.” Henry and Eleanor look at each other in surprise. Catherine still tries to think the best of her friend, but Henry alludes to her ambition. Catherine remembers Isabella’s reaction when she learned how much money her father had offered to James upon their engagement and “I never was so deceived in anyone’s character in my life before.” Henry asks her if in loosing Isabella she has lost half of herself? She honestly answers no. She does not feel as afflicted as she thought. CHAPTER 27: A letter arrives from Isabella. She is concerned about Catherine’s dear brother not having heard from him since he left for Oxford, fearful of some misunderstanding and wants Catherine to write to him on her behalf and set it right. Captain Tilney went away to his regiment and she hopes to never be plagued with him again. She is quite unhappy about James and entreats her to write to him because she mislaid his address. She assures her that all could be made right with a visit by him. She wears nothing but purple now because it is James’ favorite color even though she looks hideous in it. Catherine sees the strain of shallow artifice and is ashamed of Isabella and will not write on her behalf. Catherine shares the news with Henry and Eleanor and tells that their brother is safe from the vain coquette. Catherine sees what she is about and wishes that she had never known her. She understands that she had designs on Captain Tilney that did no succeed, but why was he interested in her? Henry explains that he has his vanities like Miss Thorpe, and they should not seek the cause. Isabella had no heart to give so nothing is lost. He tells her that her “mind is warped by an innate principle of general integrity, and therefore not accessible to the cool reasonings of family partiality, or a desire of revenge.” Catherine is resolved to think Captain Tilney was unpardonably guilty and wished to think of it no more. CHAPTER 29: Catherine was too wretched to be fearful on her journey home which takes her along the same road that lead her to Woodston ten days earlier, making her think of Henry. She had spent the happiest day of her life there, leaving with the positive conviction that the general wished their marriage. She fears that he may know of her thoughts of him being a murdered, but doubts that Henry would reveal the confidence. Her greatest anxiety is over Henry’s return to Northanger to find her gone. After eleven hours on the road, she arrives at Fullerton. Though a true Gothic heroine would arrive home a countess in a chaise in four, our heroine sadly arrived in solitude and disgrace. Her family warmly greets her. At length she explained to her family what had happened, and they can not understand the general’s actions. Her parents think her pensive mood is from her mortified feeling and fatigue and not some deeper evil. Catherine composes a letter to Eleanor and encloses her advance, hoping that what she wrote will mend and please. Mrs. Morland regrets her falling out with her friends and also Isabella for James, hoping that “the next new friends you make I hope will be better worth keeping.” Even though her mother tries to console her with a hope of meeting them again in a few years, she can not forget Henry, though he may forget her. She is saddened by James’s loss in the broken engagement to Isabella, but he may be wiser in his next choice. As she walks to Mrs. Allen’s she reflects on how much she has changed in three months since she last walk the path. The story of General Tilney’s abrupt behavior is told to the Allen’s who sympathize and can not understand how such a well bred man could act so. Catherine can only imagine that at this moment Henry might be returning to Northanger, discovered her missing, and is on his way to Hereford with his family. |
CHAPTER 2:
Catherine prepares for her departure with the Allens to Bath. Catherine’s mother does not make a fuss over her leaving; she merely warns Catherine to keep warm so that she does not catch a cold. Mrs. Morland's concern is not due to a lack of love for her young daughter on her first venture into society but rather a lack of experience. Mrs. Morland knows very little about the potential mischief of some young men toward young, innocent girls, so she does not know to warn her daughter. Catherine’s closest sibling is her younger sister, Sally (who sometimes prefers the name Sarah). She does not, as some other sisters might have, insist that Catherine write to her every day that she is gone. No, the Morlands approach Catherine’s departure with a very modest spirit. The attitude seems to be that Catherine will not be gone long, and one day she will return. The trip, much like the reactions of the Morlands, is quiet. Catherine and her companions, the Allens, encounter no storms along the road. Neither are they bothered by any thieves. Catherine looks about the countryside, but she does not set her eyes upon any young man who might incite her imagination into proclaiming him to be a possible hero. Once settled in Bath, Mrs. Allen examines Catherine’s wardrobe and finds it lacking. The first outing of Mrs. Allen and Catherine is to procure new dresses. Soon afterward, Mrs. Allen is ready to chaperone Catherine to her first ball. Catherine’s hair is cut, and she dons one of her new outfits. The Allens announce, upon seeing her so dressed, that Catherine is sufficiently prepared for admiration from any young man who should see her. They are late in arriving to the ball because Mrs. Allen takes very long to dress. CHAPTER 4:
Catherine rushes off to the pump-room in hopes of meeting up with Henry Tilney, but he does not appear. Mrs. Allen continues to lament their not having any acquaintance in Bath. Soon after, Mrs. Allen is reacquainted with an old schoolfellow, Mrs. Thorpe who is a great talker of her children. John at Oxford, Edward at Merchant Taylors’, and William at sea. Mrs. Allen does not have children to discuss, but finds satisfaction that the lace on Mrs. Allen’s gown is not as fine as her own. Mrs. Allen introduces her three daughters, of which Isabella is the handsomest. They reveal their acquaintance with Catherine’s brother James through their brother John who are in the same college at Oxford and spent the Christmas holidays with them. Isabella is four years Catherine’s senior. As they take turns of the pump-room, she discusses her experiences at all the area balls, fashions and society gossip much to naïve Catherine’s awe. Isabella escorts Catherine to her door and leaves her in high spirits, grateful that she had procured such an elegant friend. Mrs. Thorpe is a not very rich widow, good-humoured, well meaning woman, an indulgent mother who can talk at length. Isabella, the eldest is the most beautiful of her three daughters. CHAPTER 6: It has been eight or nine days since Catherine first met Isabella. They meet in the pump-room and discuss bonnets and Udolpho, and Catherine is anxious to know what is behind the dreaded black veil. Laurentina’s skeleton? But she does not want the plot spoiled and entreats Isabella not to tell her. Isabella wants to read The Italian together next and then presents a list of seven other Gothic novels. Isabella talks about how she scolds gentlemen for not admiring her friends, loyally not loving any of them by halves. Isabella encourages Catherine to think of Henry even though she feels she may never see him again. She can think of nothing else except reading Udolpho. Isabella wants Catherine to dress alike at the ball that night because gentlemen take notice of it. Isabella gives her opinion on men as they “give themselves such airs. They are the most conceited creatures in the world, and think themselves of so much importance” and must be treated with spirit. Isabella requests that they move to the front of the room as two impertinent fellows have been 'watching' her for half n hour. The men depart and Isabella wants to leave quickly to show Catherine the bonnet she admired at Edgar’s Building in hopes of overtaking them. This is puzzling to Catherine, because she thought that Isabella wanted to avoid them, but now they are in pursuit. CHAPTER 8:
Catherine and Mrs. Allen attend the Upper Rooms with her brother James, and Isabella and John Thorpe. John Thorpe goes to the card rooms. Isabella declares that she will not dance unless Catherine is engaged also, for she will not be separated from her, then 3 minutes later dance with James, leaving Catherine with Mrs. Thorpe, Mrs. Allen and all the other young ladies to be disgraced in the eye of the world not unlike a true heroine. Ten minutes later she recognizes Mr. Tilney across the room chatting with a young lady who might be his sister, but could be his wife. Catherine and Tilney meet and she learns that he has been away from Bath a week. Tilney asks her to dance, but she regretfully declines as Mr. Thorpe has returned to stand up with her. This is all mortifying. Catherine is introduced to Miss Tilney who is an elegant and pretty girl who does not seem to need to attract every man’s attention around her. Isabella reappears and chides Catherine for not for being way from her for so long when it was she who departed. Catherine informs Isabella that Miss Tilney and her brother are at the dance. Isabella has an impatient desire to see Mr. Tilney, but is distracted by her escort James. James wants to dance again with Isabella but she teases that it is improper to dance two in a row with the same partner. Isabella dances with James anyway. Catherine hopes to dance with Mr. Tilney and returns to Mrs. Allen and Mrs. Thorpe to be told that he wants to dance with her and then see him leading another young lady to the dance floor much to her disappointment. The night continues without Mr. Tilney. CHAPTER 10:
The Allen’s, the Thorpe’s and the Morland’s attend the theatre. Isabella and Catherine sit together to discuss a thousand different things and search out the house for Mr. Tilney. Isabella would like to meet him. She tells Catherine that she and James Morland agree on everything and that if she had been there she would have made a droll remark about it which Catherine denies. The next day the Allen’s and Catherine go to the pump-room and meet up with the Thorpe’s and her brother James. She witnesses Isabella and James in sentimental conversation and dispute, which is contrary to Isabella’s claim that they agree on everything and doubted the happiness of the situation. Catherine sees Eleanor Tilney enter and she immediately approaches her to renew their acquaintance. Catherine quizzes her about her brother and the Miss Smith who he was dancing with. Isabella departs hoping to see her at the cotillion ball tomorrow night. Miss Tilney now understands Catherine’s interest in her brother, though Catherine is unaware that she revealed it. Catherine returns home quite happy and plans out what gown and headdress to wear to the cotillion. She enters the rooms the next evening in hopes of avoiding John Thorpe and attracting Mr. Tilney. The cotillion ended and the country dance beginning and still no Mr. Tilney. Anxious to avoid John Thorpe, happily Mr. Tilney appears and asks her to dance. She is saved for a moment, until John Thorpe claims that she had promised him the dance, which she denies since he had not asked. He inquires who she is dancing with and then asks if he wants to buy a horse. Mr. Tilney is annoyed by Thorpe’s interference and teases that dancing is not unlike a contract of marriage. “Fidelity and complaisance are the principal duties of both; and those men who do not choose to dance or marry themselves, have no business with the partners or wives of their neighbours.” “Man has the advantage of choice and woman only the power of refusal.” In marriage a man is to purvey and a woman to smile. In dancing it is the opposite. The man offers compliance and the woman supplies the fan and the lavender water. They discuss the charms of Bath over the country. Mr. Tilney points out his father General Tilney to her. Eleanor and Henry invite Catherine for a country walk tomorrow at noon. CHAPTER 12:
The next morning with Mrs. Allen’s approval Catherine sets off to discover the residence of the Tilney’s so she can explain. She is told that Miss Tilney is not at home, but out walking by the footman whose delivery is not convincing. As she looks back she sees Eleanor departing from the door with her father. She knows now the degree of the offence. Humbled and dejected, she hesitates to attend the theatre that night, but her desire to see the play outweighs her mood, almost. The Tilney’s do not appear in attendance, but by the fifth she spies Henry in a box. He does not see her for two acts, and bows and looks away. Catherine is ashamed of her misconduct and eager for an opportunity to explain. The curtain fails and Henry appears in their box. Catherine apologizes breathlessly to Henry who softens. She reveals her anxiety over the event and her visit to his sister that morning when she was turned away. He explains that Miss Tilney wanted to apologize to her for that, owing that it was their father who insisted they depart for their walk. He stays and they talk of the play and Catherine is content. Before he parts, they confirm plans to walk as soon as possible and Catherine is one of the happiest creatures in the world. During her conversation with Henry she notices that John Thorpe is talking with General Tilney. Later she learns from Thorpe that the General thinks her the finest young lady in Bath. She is astounded. The evening has gone very well for her. CHAPTER 14: The next morning, with fair weather and the absence of the Thorpe party, Catherine departs with the Tilney’s to walk Beechen Cliff, a noble hill that overlooks Bath. She remarks that it reminds her of the France that Emily and her father travel through in Udolpho, but she qualifies her remark with the thought that Henry does not read novels, “gentlemen read better books.” He proclaims “The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid” and has read all of Mrs. Radcliffe’s books, Udolpho in two days. Catherine is glad to hear this and will never be ashamed of liking it herself. He has read hundreds and hundreds of novels! He asks her to consider what a start he has on her since he was at Oxford when she was a good little girl. Eleanor chides Henry for teasing Miss Morland as he does his sister. They discuss books, and Catherine declares her dislike of history which tells her nothing that does not vex or weary her. Invention is what delights her in other books. Eleanor and Henry talk about the historian’s role in writing books. As they walk the countryside they discuss views that would make pictures, but Catherine knows very little of drawing and is ashamed of her ignorance. The Narrator sermonizes …”where people wish to attach, they should always be ignorant… and a woman especially, if she have the misfortune of knowing anything, should conceal it as well as she can.” Henry instructs Catherine on how to look at the landscape and by the time they gain the top of Beechen Cliff, she declares that Bath was not worthy of a landscape. She changes the subject to politics and announces that she has heard that something shocking will come out of London. Eleanor ask how she came by this news and what it is a about. She heard it from a friend only yesterday and that it is uncommonly dreadful with murder and everything. Henry retorts that government neither desires nor cares to interfere with such matters, “There must be murder; and government cares not how much.” Eleanor thinks that Catherine is speaking of a riot in London, but she denies it. Henry explains “My dear Eleanor, the riot is only in your own brain. The confusion there is scandalous. Miss Morland has been talking of nothing more dreadful than a new publication which is shortly to come out” Eleanor gently reproaches Henry for his odd ways and he explains himself to Catherine to clear his character handsomely. He thinks very highly of the character of women in the world and especially of those who are in his company. “In my opinion, nature has given them so much that they never find it necessary to use more than half.” It is no effort for Catherine to believe that Henry Tilney could ever be wrong. The walk concluded too soon and they return her to Mrs. Allen and invited them to dinner in two days. Later in the afternoon, Catherine seeks out some ribbon at Bond Street and happens upon Miss Ann Thorpe who reveals that the party had departed for Clifton as planned with Miss Maria Thorpe in her place. Catherine was relieved that her absence had not spoiled their excursion. CHAPTER 16: Catherine dines with the Tilney’s, but it is not the warm experience she had with them on their walk. Eleanor was reserved, Henry oddly quiet and the General is solicitous, She only wants to get away. Isabella claims that their attitude is haughtiness and pride and is eager to condemn them, claiming that Henry is unworthy of her and encouraging Catherine to never think of him again. He is fickle and not like her brother John who has a constant heart. Catherine will see the Tilney’s at the Assembly tonight. Her opinion of them has not been swayed by Isabella who claims disinterest in going because James is away. The Tilney’s are kind and attentive. She dances with Henry. Captain Tilney, Henry’s older brother enters. He is tall and quite handsome, but his taste and manners are far inferior to his brother’s and he shows no interest in her. Catherine thinks Henry irresistible. Captain Tilney asks Catherine if her friend would dance and she says no. Henry discusses how Catherine views other people’s reaction through her own eyes and not theirs. She does not understand him and he reveals that he knows her perfectly well. She is in turn surprised to see Isabella dancing with Cpt. Tilney. Henry questions her judgment of Isabella. Later, Catherine asks Isabella why she changed her mind, and she explained that he was persistent and she did not want to offend her friend who introduced them. He was a bore though, but he was such a smart fellow and every eye was upon them. A second letter arrives from James revealing that Mr. Morland can give £400 a year with more later, and that they can marry in 2 to 3 years. Isabella and Mrs. Thorpe are grave, though her only concern is for James to have to live on such a small income, not herself. They say that Mr. Allen has been very gracious, but Catherine is hurt when Isabella claims that “everybody has a right to do what they like with their own money.” Isabella claims she is out of spirits because she must wait to marry, not for the money, which is nothing. Catherine’s uncomfortable feelings lessen when Isabella’s spirits rise again, and James is welcomed back warmly. CHAPTER 18 Catherine with a mind full of happiness is so distracted that she does not realize that it had been two or three days since she had seen Isabella. When they do meet in the pump-room, Isabella confides that her brother John is head over ears in love with her and asked Isabella to speak to her on his behalf. He had made an offer of marriage which Catherine so much as accepted! Catherine is astonished. Isabella reproaches her for being modest and fishing for complements when she knows from John’s letter that she encouraged him. She can not return his affection and did not intend to encourage it. Isabella admits that it was “a very foolish, imprudent business” since neither of them have any money to live on and she can not understand him. He must not have received her last letter. She acquits Catherine and credits it to a little harmless flirting on her part. She is the last person in the world to judge her severely. She does not wish her to sacrifice her happiness to oblige her brother. Captain Tilney appears to sit next to Isabella and flirt with her in a whisper that Catherine can detect. It appears to Catherine that he was falling in love with Isabella and that she was encouraging it. She feels uneasy for her brother James. Catherine and Mrs. Allen depart the pump-room and leave them sitting together. She reflected on the events that john Thorpe could be in love with her was a matter of lively astonishment. CHAPTER 20: Catherine’s day of departure from the Allen’s and Bath arrives. Mr. Allen escorts her to the Tilney’s at Milson Street to see her off. She is so anxious to please them that she secretly wishes to return with him to the safety of their Pulteney residence. Henry and Eleanor ease her anxiety a bit, but general Tilney’s over solicitous concerns for her comfort unsettle her. Catherine is also uneasy by the General’s impatience for Captain Tilney to arrive for breakfast and the severity of his reproof, “which seemed disproportionate to the offence.” They finally depart after much disapprobation by General Tilney, and Catherine has no regrets about departing Bath for Northanger Abbey. The journey is broken at Petty France, a half way point and they dine with little conversation but complaints by the General Tilney about the service. She observes that his presence “seemed always a check upon his children’s spirits” and she is in awe of him. It is a relief when Catherine is asked to ride the remainder of the journey with Henry in his curricle. She is hesitant after remembering Mr. Allen’s thoughts on riding in open carriages, but agrees, conceding to General Tilney’s better judgment. She has no regrets as Henry drives so well. “To be driven by him, next to being dancing with him, was certainly the greatest happiness in the world.” She learns from Henry that Eleanor is very grateful for her visit because she has no female companion. Henry lives there only half the time. He has his own residence at Woodston, 20 miles away. She envies him growing up in an Abbey. He teases her asking if she is ready for the horrors that such a building can bring. Does she have a stout heart and steady nerves? “Will not your mind misgive you when you find yourself in this gloomy chamber? Will not your heart sink within you?” She denies that this will happen to her. Henry continues to talk of haunted chambers with doors that do not lock, and Catherine is gleeful because it is just like the book. She recollects herself and is certain that Miss Tilney would not put her in such a room as he describes. When they reached Northanger Abbey, the view was not as grand nor the road “without obstacle, alarm, or solemnity of any kind, struck her as odd and inconsistent.” The Abbey is not the old edifice that she had envisioned, “less what her fancy had portrayed“, the furniture and decoration modern, lacking the dirt and cobwebs that the difference was very distressing. CHAPTER 22: The next morning Catherine reads the rolled papers that she had discovered in the chest and is disappointed to learn that they are ancient laundry bills. She is embarrassed by her actions with the chest and blames Henry for exciting her curiosity the previous day. She arrives for breakfast to find only Henry, notices the flowers and declares that “I have just learnt to love a hyacinth.” Henry tells her that young ladies should love flowers because it gives them the opportunity to go out of doors. General Tilney joins them and he and Catherine discuss china. Henry departs for Woodston on businesses for three days. The General explains that Woodston is on family lands that he has improved it and supplies the living that was planned for his son long ago. Each of his sons have a profession, not for the money, but for the employment. The General offers to give Catherine a tour of the Abbey and its grounds. She suggests that they tour the gardens since the weather is smiling. She wishes that Henry was with them to show her what has picturesque. Catherine is struck beyond expectation of the grandeur of Northanger Abbey. The General is flattered by her surprise and complements. The gardens were his hobby-horse. Eleanor suggests a path, but the General declines, saying it is too damp and departs. Catherine notices that her mood is brightened in his absence. She is particularly fond of this spot since it was her mother’s favorite walk and her memory endears it to her. Catherine questions why the memory does not endear it to the General and why he will not walk there. Her death must have caused a great affliction. Eleanor shares that she feels the loss of her mother greatly, she has no other sister, and even though Catherine quizzes Eleanor on her mother. She suspects that her parent’s marriage was unhappy because the husband did not like his wife’s favorite walk, and suspects from the turn of his features he not behave well to her. She asks if there was a portrait which Eleanor explains he did not care for the likeness and she has it hanging in her room and feels it very like her. In spite of the General’s attentions to her, she feels a real aversion to him. They meet up with him at the end of the path and Catherine is languid in his presence now. He asks Eleanor to take her into the Abbey with strict instructions to wait for the tour of the Abbey until he can direct it. Catherine thinks this odd. CHAPTER 24: The next day at church service, she sees an elegant monument with a virtuous epitaph of a consoling husband in front of the family phew. Catherine is amazed that General Tilney can bear to be so unmoved in its presence or even enter the chapel. But then she remembered that many are unaffected by their murderous deeds, and go about their business unaffected. The monument can mean nothing. She knows from reading how a “supposititious funeral” can be carried on. While General Tilney takes his walk, Catherine and Eleanor agree to visit her mother’s apartments. First she shows her the portrait, which Catherine sees no resemblance to the family. They proceed to the gallery and are about to enter her room when General Tilney appears and stops them abruptly. Catherine runs to her room and locks her door greatly commiserating her friend’s fate under her father’s wrath, expecting a summons of her own shortly. No summons is called, but guests arrive at the Abbey defraying the situation. Eleanor later explains that her father only needed her to write a note. Catherine is determined to attempt a visit to Mrs. Tilney’s rooms alone before Henry’s return on the morrow. She enters the rooms. There is nothing odd or amiss, and not what she expected. Just then she hears footsteps approaching on the stair and it is Henry. He explains that it is the shortest way to his chambers from the stables. She tells him that she was visiting his mother’s rooms that their father had prevented them earlier from seeing. She is embarrassed and makes her excuses to go dress. For the first time in their acquaintance, she wishes to be away from him and dreads further questions, in which he persists to her horror. She admits that Eleanor did not send her to the rooms, and that she was curious about the circumstances of her death, her dyeing so suddenly, her children being away, and their father not being fond of her. He is surprised by her conclusions. “Dear Miss Morland, consider the dreadful nature of the suspicions you have entertained,” asking her to remember what age they live in, that they are Christians, and that it is England. Ashamed of her own ‘horrid’ assumptions, she runs to her room in tears. CHAPTER 26: Catherine, Eleanor and Henry agree that General Tilney would disqualify Isabella as a suitable wife for Frederick Tilney because of her lack of consequence and fortune. From the account of the General’s children, Catherine thinks that she would not be suitable for the family either. Since the General has said several times that money is of no consequence, she thinks that they are mistaken in their assumption of his wishes for fortunes for his children. They assure her that Captain Tilney will not be asking his father for consent, and she does not need to leave. She believes that the General should be informed of the ‘whole business’ of his son in regard to Isabella, but Henry does not agree. His brother must tell his own story. The General is concerned that Miss Morland is bored since it is off season with no Balls or hunting. He suggests a visit to Woodston and Henry agrees. He expressly states that Henry is not to put himself out in any way. It is decided that they will visit on Wednesday next. Henry must depart two days earlier because “pleasures in this world are always to be paid for” and he must return to Woodston to make arrangements for their visit Now that Henry was away their was nothing to amuse her since she was tired of woods and shrubberies and the Abbey was no more than any house now that there was nothing so charming in her imagination. They are in Woodston and the general felt obliged to apologize for the smallness of the village. Catherine sees no fault, only charm “in her heart she preferred it to any place she had ever been at.” Henry welcomes his guests. They take a tour of the house and Catherine admires the drawing-room even though it is unfurnished asking why it is not fitted up. The General explains that it waits for a lady’s taste which makes Catherine a bit uncomfortable. They tour the gardens which she finds it “prettier than any pleasure-ground she had ever been in before.” They dine at four o’clock and Catherine observes that “the abundance of the dinner did not seem to create the smallest astonishment in the general.” CHAPTER 28: General Tilney departed for London and this “gave Catherine the first experimental conviction that a loss may be sometimes a gain.” They now walked, dined and conversed at ease and leisure. Catherine has been at Northanger four weeks and is concerned that she overstayed. Eleanor had understood the pleasure of her company for much longer. The kindness and earnestness in her manner and Henry’s gratification on her agreement to stay relieved her of her anxiety. She almost believed that Henry loved her. While Henry was away at Woodston to attend to his parish, a carriage arrives late one night unannounced. Thinking that it was Captain Tilney, Catherine goes to her chamber leaving Eleanor to attend to him Her father has returned to inform her of that an engagement to visit another family will take them away on Monday. Catherine attempts to console her and offers a visit to Fullerton after her return. She tells her that is not possible. Catherine is told that she will depart tomorrow at seven and no servant is offered to escort her. Eleanor apologizes and asks for her forgiveness. Catherine asks if she has offended the General. She confides that her father is greatly vexed but does not see her as the cause. Eleanor leaves Catherine to her tears and disappointment in not being able to say goodbye to Henry. All this by General Tilney who has been so polite and gratuitous to her, it was “incomprehensible as it was mortifying and grievous.” What did all this mean? Uncivilly rushing her away, she must have offended him. The night passed with little sleep. Eleanor arrives at six to assist her in packing and dressing. The carriage arrives and Eleanor entreats her to write to her of her safe arrival and she agrees to write. The carriage arrives; she bids her friend adieu with an affectionate embrace, pauses and with a trembling lip asks to be remembered by her absent friend, hides her face in her handkerchief, darts across the hall to the carriage and is gone. CHAPTER 30: Catherine’s mother notices that she has become restless and unproductive, unable to sit for more than a bit and in turn walking about the garden. She reminds her that she has had her amusements at Bath, but should settle back into her life thinking she has “been spoilt for home by great acquaintance.” She leaves to seek an instructive book for Catherine and returns to find a young man in her parlor, Mr. Tilney. Henry is all apology and concern for Catherine’s safe return home. She says little, but her cheeks glow and her eyes sparkle, and Mrs. Morland notices the change in her daughter. Henry inquires about the Allen’s and wishes to call on them asking Catherine to show the way. Mrs. Morland consents to his request thinking that Henry may have more to tell Catherine personally. He does, and declares his sincere affection for Catherine; her heart in return was solicited. Henry tells her that when he returned to Northanger, his father told him of her departure and ordered to think of her no more. “Such was the permission upon which he had now offered her his hand.” He reveals to her relief that she had done nothing to offend the general and that she “was guilty only of being less rich than he had supposed her to be.” Being mistaken by her fortune and connections her had courted her acquaintance in Bath and solicited her company at Northanger. John Thorpe had informed him in Bath of his acquaintance and hopes of marrying her himself. Thorpe then proceeded to pump up her fortune from her father and legacy from the Allen’s. The general never doubted his source. Henry and Eleanor were astounded that their father’s interest in her and his command for Henry to attach her affections. John Thorpe later revealed to the General that he “confessed himself to have been totally mistaken in his opinion of their circumstances and character.” The general is enraged with everybody but himself. Henry’s indignation of how Catherine had been treated rallied his honor and affection. Believing that her heart was his own, no anger or reversing decree could shake his fidelity. He declared his intension to offer his hand, and they parted in a dreadful disagreement. |
CHAPTER 31:
Mr. and Mrs. Morland are surprised by Henry’s request for Catherine’s hand as no attachment had been suspected. His pleasing manners and common good-sense were enough to recommend him. There was but one obstacle. The general must also offer his consent. The Morland’s were not worried about money, since he had a considerable fortune upon his marriage. “It was a match beyond the claims of their daughter.” The couple was resolved to wait and hope that the general would change his mind. Henry returned to Woodston to work on the property for their benefit, and Catherine remained at Fullerton to cry. But what could possibly change the general’s mind? Only the marriage of his daughter to a viscount, a man of she had long know, but was unqualified until his “unexpected accession to title and fortune had removed all his difficulties.” Never was the general more pleased to call his daughter her Ladyship, putting the general in a fit of good humor. The influence of the viscount and viscountess on their brother’s behalf, the understanding that the Morland’s were not necessitous or poor, and that Catherine’s dowry would be three thousand pounds, all contributed to his change of heart and consent. “Henry and Catherine were married, the bells rang, and everybody smiled“, all within a twelvemonth of their meeting, plagued by dreadful delays and the general’s cruelty. The Narrator leaves it to be settled by whomsoever is concerned that unjust interference is rather conductive to the strength of an attachment.
Mr. and Mrs. Morland are surprised by Henry’s request for Catherine’s hand as no attachment had been suspected. His pleasing manners and common good-sense were enough to recommend him. There was but one obstacle. The general must also offer his consent. The Morland’s were not worried about money, since he had a considerable fortune upon his marriage. “It was a match beyond the claims of their daughter.” The couple was resolved to wait and hope that the general would change his mind. Henry returned to Woodston to work on the property for their benefit, and Catherine remained at Fullerton to cry. But what could possibly change the general’s mind? Only the marriage of his daughter to a viscount, a man of she had long know, but was unqualified until his “unexpected accession to title and fortune had removed all his difficulties.” Never was the general more pleased to call his daughter her Ladyship, putting the general in a fit of good humor. The influence of the viscount and viscountess on their brother’s behalf, the understanding that the Morland’s were not necessitous or poor, and that Catherine’s dowry would be three thousand pounds, all contributed to his change of heart and consent. “Henry and Catherine were married, the bells rang, and everybody smiled“, all within a twelvemonth of their meeting, plagued by dreadful delays and the general’s cruelty. The Narrator leaves it to be settled by whomsoever is concerned that unjust interference is rather conductive to the strength of an attachment.