Domestic Interiors in "Northanger Abbey"

Paper Summary:

This paper shows how interior descriptions are instrumental in Austen's parody of the gothic genre, which was popular at the time "Northanger Abbey" was written. It looks at how the depiction of the Abbey itself is key to emphasising the character of General Tilney and his pride in his house and possessions are also indicative of the consumerism of the time. It shows how Austen's descriptions of Woodston Parsonage contrast with the Abbey, but again are used to reinforce characterisation and further important themes in the novel such as marriage and gender.

From the Paper:

"The simplicity of Woodston is refreshing after the superficiality of Northanger Abbey. The contrasting domestic interiors of both houses also serve to contrast the dependability of Henry Tilney with his father. Northanger's magnificent embellishments are just a veneer; much like the General's seemingly pleasant and personable personality which is not genuine and hides his true unpleasant nature. The Parsonage at Woodston is as humble and "unpretending" as Catherine had hoped it would be - much like honest and reliable Henry. Henry's occupation of the modest Parsonage, described by the General as "not... a good house... a mere parsonage, small and confined" (Northanger Abbey p. 172) compared to the greater expectations of the questionable character of Captain Tilney as the eldest son is perhaps a comment by Jane Austen on the unfairness of primogeniture."

More papers on Domestic Interiors in "Northanger Abbey":

• Analytical Essay # 130378 : "Social Climate in "Northanger Abbey" and "My Antonia"
• Book Review # 71225 : "Cultural Criticism of Northanger Abbey"
• Analytical Essay # 66340 : "Northanger Abbey"

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