Gothic Romance?

[theduckthief]

This book is sometimes classified as a gothic novel, sometimes as a parody of a gothic novel. Exactly how gothic is it?

[theduckthief]

Catherine doesn't seem to make wild leaps of her imagination until Part 2. Although it doesn't help that Henry decides to tease her about Northanger and because of her naivety she takes him seriously.

[theduckthief]

Oh it's definitely a parody. I think we can take our cues from Henry Tilney's opinions as to how Austen feels.

I think the gothicky chapters are a reflection of her limited world experience. Her parents remark on how she's always reading and I think Radcliffe appealed to her because of the supernatural element. I think her naivety also comes from her age. I see her as maybe around 15, I don't remember if it was mentioned in the book.

[Rachel]

Not sure about the book, it's been a while since I last read it, but the ITV adaptation states that Catherine and Henry got together when she was 18.