Northanger Abbey

Northanger Abbey was by far the best book of this semester. The actions of the heroine, Catherine, were those that closely portrayed what we could expect to happen in reality. Just like Evelina, Catherine had desires, dreams, and made mistakes in her social behavior. However, the difference between Northanger Abbey and Evelina was Austen's decision to include elements of the gothic novel. I thought the character's criticism of literary works that were contemporary at that time (i.e. Radcliffe's Mysteries of Udolpho)was a refreshing way to inform readers of the author's knowledge of other literary works. When assessing this novel it would seem that it is part mock-Gothic and the other part an example of a good novel. Austen's point of view on the novel genre is also plain to see in this book. I find that such direct statements and criticisms that the authors interject in their novels is an easier and refreshing way for readers to fully understand the author's intent.