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Definition of Motif
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the central themes of a book... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of... read full definition
Volume 1, Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Friendship:
Northanger Abbey explores the joys (and sorrows) of friendship. The first major friendship in the novel is between two families: the Allens and the Morlands. This connection leads to the Allens inviting Catherine on a trip to Bath. The story also explores friendship between individuals like Catherine and Isabella. In Volume 1, Chapter 4, they meet in the Pump-room (one of the central meeting points in Bath):
[Catherine] was soon invited to accept an arm of the eldest Miss Thorpe, and take a turn with her about the room. Catherine was delighted with this extension of her Bath acquaintance, and almost forgot Mr. Tilney while she talked to Miss Thorpe. Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love[...]. Miss Thorpe, however, being four years older than Miss Morland, and at least four years better informed, had a very decided advantage in discussing such points; she could compare the balls of Bath with those of Tunbridge[...].
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Volume 1, Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis—Foolishness and Folly:
For all its highfalutin prose, Northanger Abbey demonstrates humans' capacity for foolishness. The protagonist Catherine is gullible, overwrought, and inexperienced. In Volume 1, Chapter 8 the narrator describes her naive (yet true) assumption that Mr. Tilney, a highly desirable man, is not married:
Unlock with LitCharts A+But guided only by what was simple and probable, it had never entered her head that Mr. Tilney could be married; he had not behaved, he had not talked, like the married men to whom she had been used; he had never mentioned a wife, and he had acknowledged a sister.
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Volume 1, Chapter 11
Explanation and Analysis—Love and Marriage:
Love and marriage are the principal sources of conflict in Northanger Abbey. Much of the plot involves the potential marriages of Catherine, Isabella, Henry, and other characters. For example, Isabella devises a plan to marry Catherine's brother, James. When she discovers he is less rich than she assumed, she begins to pursue the wealthier Captain Tilney. But in Volume 2, Chapter 11, the Tilney siblings predict the failure of her new plan:
Unlock with LitCharts A+From this time, the subject was frequently canvassed by the three young people; and Catherine found, with some surprize, that her two young friends were perfectly agreed in considering Isabella’s want of consequence and fortune as likely to throw great difficulties in the way of her marrying their brother.
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Explanation and Analysis—Carriages:
Carriages are a symbol of status in Northanger Abbey. Characters who own carriages have plentiful funds to spend on travel and leisure, while those who rent them can afford to travel only occasionally. In Volume 1, Chapter 11, James Morland has to rent a carriage because he can't afford to buy one. Thorpe has little sympathy for him:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“If your brother had not got such a d––– beast to drive,” said he soon afterwards, “we might have done it very well. My horse would have trotted to Clifton within the hour, if left to himself, and I have almost broke my arm with pulling him in to that cursed broken-winded jade’s pace. Morland is a fool for not keeping a horse and gig of his own.”
Related Themes:
Volume 1, Chapter 14
Explanation and Analysis—The Written Word:
In Northanger Abbey, the motif of the written word reinforces the novel's interest in the relationship between fiction and reality. It also symbolizes intelligence, as journals, literature, and letters represent sources of knowledge. In Volume 1, Chapter 14, Henry declares:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid. I have read all Mrs. Radcliffe's works, and most of them with great pleasure."
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Explanation and Analysis—The Role of Women:
The perceived role of women as the "weaker sex" appears frequently in Northanger Abbey. In Volume 1, Chapter 14, Henry Tilney makes an unfavorable observation about women:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I have no patience with such of my sex as disdain to let themselves sometimes down to the comprehension of yours. Perhaps the abilities of women are neither sound nor acute—neither vigorous nor keen. Perhaps they may want observation, discernment, judgment, fire, genius, and wit.
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Volume 2, Chapter 5
Explanation and Analysis—Elements of the Gothic:
Northanger Abbey is often referred to as Austen's Gothic satire due to its inclusion of many Gothic elements. The second half of the story is set in a "castle" (Northanger Abbey). In Volume 2, Chapter 5, the narrator describes the discrepancy between Catherine's expectations and the reality of the abbey:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The windows, to which she looked with peculiar dependence, from having heard the General talk of his preserving them in their Gothic form with reverential care, were yet less what her fancy had portrayed. To be sure, the pointed arch was preserved—the form of them was Gothic—they might be even casements—but every pane was so large, so clear [...]
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Volume 2, Chapter 6
Explanation and Analysis—Wealth:
Northanger Abbey is full of characters who prioritize wealth. For example, Mrs. Allen loves clothing and shopping and judges Mrs. Thorpe for her shabby clothes. Isabella desires a rich man and forsakes James in favor of Frederick. Most hilariously, the General is obsessed with remodeling his estate, compares his land to that of Mr. Allen, and wants his children to marry rich people. In Volume 2, Chapter 6, he takes great pleasure in Catherine's admiration of the abbey:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“No, indeed,” was Catherine’s honest assurance; “Mr. Allen’s dining-parlour was not more than half as large:” and she had never seen so large a room as this in her life.
The General’s good-humour increased.—Why, as he had such rooms, he thought it would be simple not to make use of them; but, upon his honour, he believed there might be more comfort in rooms of only half their size. Mr. Allen’s house, he was sure, must be exactly of the true size for rational happiness.
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Volume 2, Chapter 7
Explanation and Analysis—The Written Word:
In Northanger Abbey, the motif of the written word reinforces the novel's interest in the relationship between fiction and reality. It also symbolizes intelligence, as journals, literature, and letters represent sources of knowledge. In Volume 1, Chapter 14, Henry declares:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid. I have read all Mrs. Radcliffe's works, and most of them with great pleasure."
Related Themes:
