In novels, authors and readers tend to have shared expectations or rules that should be followed in a given genre. Usually, these rules will define what is necessary to be paid attention to, for example, the pattern of the specific genre that the novel falls into, the roles that the characters play in the novel, and the tone that the author takes. While Austen follows literary convention in a broad base, she defies it more often than not, almost poking fun at expectations in genre.
Patterns of a Romance Novel
A romance novel is expected to follow an identifiable pattern: A heroine, usually young, virtuous, and of great beauty and talent, who comes from a poverty stricken family, or perhaps orphaned, will fall dramatically in love with a heroic and mature man who will court the heroine. Their romance will whirlwind passionately, until a rival of some sort is introduced to keep them apart. In the end, they overcome all obstacles, are married, and enjoy a fruitful life.
The Heroine: Catherine Morland
While the plot of Northanger Abbey follows the correct sequence, the main characters follow unconventional patterns. The heroine, Catherine Morland, is not an orphan; she comes from a financially sufficient family, albeit large, and is described by Austen as being neither beautiful nor talented.
The Hero: Henry Tilney
The hero, a worldly character, Henry Tilney, does not incline Catherine into a whirlwind romance; there is no passion or unforgettable desire. Henry tends to be more of a teacher to Catherine, to guide her in her views of the world. In fact, Austen states that Henry has fallen in love with Catherine because Catherine has fallen in love with him. Although Henry does ask Catherine for her hand in marriage, they do not run off to immediately consummate their affection as one might assume. Instead, Catherine’s parents required permission from Henry’s father for the nuptials, which took a long time to receive.
Northanger Abbey Minor Characters
While the major characters of the novel do not follow one’s expectations, the minor characters play a role in putting a satirical twist on convention as well. Austen uses Mrs. Allen, John Thorpe, and Isabella Thorpe to define social convention in the novel. These three characters are middle to upper class people who are limited in their abilities to worldly thoughts. For example, Mrs. Morland, Catherine’s mother, was naïve to the dangers of the world, therefore only giving advice to Catherine on how to stay warm and keep account of her finances.
Defying Literary Convention
In a major move away from literary convention, Austen’s tone in the book is not at all what a reader would expect. She does many things that are not considered common in a novel. One of the major themes that Austen follows is to not only tell what does happen in the novel, but also what does not happen, as it would in the typical romance novel. For example, at the end of the novel, Austen appeals directly to the reader by introducing the fact that a resolution must be soon in coming because the novel was near its conclusion.
About the Author, Jane Austen
Austen may generalize the romantic genre, and then defy every aspect of expected conventions within her novel, but it is not because she does not value conventions. Throughout the novel Northanger Abbey, Austen is merely making humor out of what is expected in a novel, which to the more educated reader offers an interesting new spin on what may be boring and tested limitations. While many may criticize Austen for her use of personal opinions and unconventional characters, the fact remains that the success of the novel speaks for itself. Austen’s intelligent use of satire has led to a closely read and scrutinized piece of literature, conventional or not.
Northanger Abbey was first published in 1817, after the passing of Jane Austen, and is currently published by Random House (ISBN # 978-0-553-21197-9). Author of similar famous pieces such as Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, and Pride and Prejudice, Austen’s work has been able to cross all borders of media, leading to films and television series.
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