Questions About Northanger Abbey

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Answered Questions (11)

As much as I believe that Henry is one of the worst romantic figures in literature, I really liked the book. Why do we like these books? The men in her novels are absolutely awful and the women are dumber than rocks. But that has never stopped me from enjoying the love story. I thought this book was funny and thought provoking. In Jane Austen's world, the characters are awful but true love conquers all.

Stephanie Okay, I'm going out on a limb here, but has it ever occurred to anyone that Henry Tilney is gay? I mean, I've read N.A. several times in my life and a…moreOkay, I'm going out on a limb here, but has it ever occurred to anyone that Henry Tilney is gay? I mean, I've read N.A. several times in my life and although I enjoy the book tremendously, there never seems to be an ounce of real romance or heat or buzz between Henry and Catherine. Also, there seem to be a few other clues.

Not that Austen would ever come out and say anything like this and perhaps she didn't even know that subconsciously she was writing a gay character. Maybe she didn't even know what a gay person was. But for some years I have thought that Catherine is chosen in the end because she's a little dim and she makes an excellent beard.

Okay, you can all start throwing daggers at me now.(less)

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Did anyone else find the vain, mendacious, untruthful and egotistical John Thorpe to be a preview of our current president?

Mary Talley Yes, because I'm sure Jane Austen's first thought when writing that character was, "Man, some day the USA is going to have a mean president, I should …moreYes, because I'm sure Jane Austen's first thought when writing that character was, "Man, some day the USA is going to have a mean president, I should write a character to preview him and show the world what a great prophet I am."
Seriously, it's Jane Austen. We're trying to enjoy a classical literature book. Can't we do anything without someone bringing politics into it? Sheesh. (less)

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What does Henry mean by compliance, when he says, in regards to marriage and dancing, that the "their duties are exactly changed; the agreeableness, the compliance is expected from him, while she furnishes the fan and lavender water. . ." ?

ｄａｎｉｅｌａ The marriage standards of the time were: Men earned the money (fan and lavender water), while women were keepers of the home (agreeableness, complianc…moreThe marriage standards of the time were: Men earned the money (fan and lavender water), while women were keepers of the home (agreeableness, compliance, etc).
He means to say that in dancing, the roles are reversed. It is men who must be agreeable and comply to a women's wishes, while women who will provide the 'materials' needed.
He's basically poking fun. (less)

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What do you think the age rating for this book ought to be?

adriana All of Jane Austen's books are completely appropriate. However, I think a child less than eight wouldn't understand this. I first read it when I was t…moreAll of Jane Austen's books are completely appropriate. However, I think a child less than eight wouldn't understand this. I first read it when I was ten, though, and I could understand it just fine, and really enjoyed it.(less)

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"The satirical novel pokes fun at the gothic novel while earnestly emphasizing caution to the female sex." What does that mean? It's from the description, btw. I don't understand what it says about the book? Emphasizing caution from what? I think "satirical novel" means this novel Northanger Abbey, but what is the gothic novel? Is it the same one somehow? A different one?