The Feminist Discourse in Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey

Abstract

Jane Austen’s ‘Northanger Abbey’ often receives acclaim for its satirical take on
Gothic novels and its commentary on social norms. However, beneath the surface-
level critique lies a profound feminist message. This report aims to delve into the
feminist undertones and complexities of gender representation present in
Northanger Abbey, examining how Austen uses the Gothic genre’s elements to
challenge and critique the prevailing gender norms of her time and advocate for
women’s intellectual freedom.

Introduction

Jane Austen’s ‘Northanger Abbey’, although often overshadowed by her more

popular works, offers a rich terrain for feminist literary analysis. Published
posthumously in 1817, the novel provides a satirical commentary on the societal
norms, gender roles, and the limitations place upon women in Regency England. It
is a unique amalgamation of a coming-of-age story, a satire of Gothic tropes, and a
subtle yet inclusive feminist critique. Through the protagonist Catherine Morland,
and other female characters, Austen explores themes of agency, independence, and
the subversion of patriarchal expectations. Austen uses her character’s experiences
to critique the limited scope of women’s education and the societal expectations
that confine them.

The Parody of Gothic Novels as a Feminist Statement

Austen’s parody of Gothic novels serves as a medium for feminist commentary.

The exaggerated tropes of the genre, characterized by dark castles, mysterious
secrets, and damsels in distress, are employed by Austen to highlight the absurdity
of the limited roles available to women. Catherine’s fascination with Gothic novels
reflects the constraints of her real-world experiences and the desire for a life of
greater significance and adventure.
 Gender Roles and Expectations

Austen’s critique of gender roles in Northanger Abbey is evident from the onset.
The protagonist, Catherine Morland, initially conforms to the gender norms of her
society. She is introduced as a young, naïve girl whose interests revolve around
fashion, balls, and romantic novels, However, Catherine’s journey throughout the
novel serves as a vehicle for Austen to highlight the absurdity and limitations of
these societal expectations.

Catherine’s friend Isabella Thorpe embodies the consequences of conforming to

these expectations. Isabella’s primary concern is securing a wealthy marriage, and
she is willing to manipulate and deceive to achieve her goals. Austen uses
Isabella’s character to critique societal pressure placed upon women to prioritize
financial security over genuine affection and personal happiness.

Moreover, the character of General Tilney underscores the economic dimensions

of marriage in Regency England. General Tilney’s dismissal of Catherin upon
discovering her modest financial status reflects the prevailing attitude towards
women and commodities to be traded in the marriage market. Austen’s portrayal of
General Tilney exposes the inherent inequality and exploitation within the
institution of marriage during this period.

Catherine Morland: A Critique of the ‘Ideal Woman’

From the very beginning, Austen set’s Catherine Morland apart from the ‘typical
heroine’. She is neither exceptionally beautiful nor remarkably talented. Her
ordinariness is Austen’s challenge to the idealized female characters prevalent in
literature. Despite not being particularly clever, Catherine show’s good judgment
throughout the novel. Her dislike for John Thorpe and her belief that marrying for
money is revolting demonstrate her ability to form her opinions and reject societal
norms. Her assertion that she will not be tricked into doing what she thinks is
wrong showcases her strength of character and aligns with feminist ideals of
autonomy and self-determination. Catherine’s growth throughout the novel is
marked by her increasing awareness of her desires and her refusal to conform to
societal expectations.

Agency and Independence

Despite the societal constraints placed on her, Catherine demonstrates agency and
independence in her own way. While initially influenced by the romantic novels
she reads, Catherine gradually develops a critical perspective and begins to
question the societal norms that govern her world. Her refusal to conform blindly
to these expectations is evident in her interactions with Henry Tilney, where she
challenges his assumptions and asserts her own beliefs.

Austen also presents other female characters who exhibit varying degrees of
agency and independence. Eleanor Tilney, for instance, displays intelligence and
self-possession, contrasting with the more superficial qualities of characters like
Isabella. Through Eleanor, Austen suggests that women can find fulfillment and
autonomy outside of traditional gender roles, emphasizing the importance of
intellect and character over societal expectations.

The Role of Education in Women’s Emancipation

Education, or lack thereof, is also a recurring theme in Northanger Abbey. The

disparity between the education of men and women is starkly portrayed, with
women often limited to learning superficial accomplishments. Austen advocates
for intellectual equality, suggesting that women’s lack of education is not due to a
lack of capability but a lack of opportunity.

Satire and Subversion

Central to Austen’s feminist critique in Northanger Abbey is her use of satire and
subversion. The novel’s setting in Bath, known for its social gatherings and
matchmaking, provides ample opportunities for Austen to lampoon the
superficiality and triviality of the marriage market. The narrator’s voice in
Northanger Abbey is used to satirize the idea that women should conceal their
intelligence. Statements like ‘a woman especially, if she has the misfortune of
knowing anything, should conceal it as well as she can’ are meant to be taken
ironically, highlighting Austen’s criticism of the suppression of women’s intellect.

Henry Tilney emerges as a subversive figure within the novel, challenging

traditional gender dynamics through his interactions with Catherine. Unlike the
typical romantic hero, Henry respects Catherine’s intellect and autonomy,
encouraging her independent thinking and rejecting societal norms. Austen’s
portrayal of Henry Tilney disrupts the traditional power dynamics between men
and women, offering a more egalitarian model of romantic partnership.

Conclusion

Northanger Abbey is more than a mere parody of Gothic fiction; it is a novel that
challenges the patriarchal structures of Regency England. In the novel, Jane Austen
offers a nuanced feminist critique of Regency society, exploring the constraints
placed upon women and the ways in which they navigate and resist these
limitations. Through the character of Catherine Morland, and others, she highlights
the importance of agency, independence and intellect in challenging traditional
gender roles. The novel’s satire and subversion of gothic tropes serve to expose the
absurdity of patriarchal norms. Austen critiques the societal limitations placed on
women and promotes a vision if intellectual and emotional freedom, offering a
compelling portrayal of female experience in the early 19th century.

Works Cited

 Jane Austen. Northanger Abbey. Edited by Susan Fraiman, W.W. Norton &
Company, 2004.
 Susan Fraiman. ‘The Humiliation of Elizabeth Bennet.’ ELH, vo. 58, no. 2,
1991, pp. 515-37.
 Holly Ingraham. ‘Reading’s Refusal: Northanger Abbey and the Protean
Text.’ NOVEL: A Forum on Fiction, vol. 25, no. 1, 1991, pp. 45-58.
 Claudia L. Johnson. ‘Jane Austen: Women, Politics, and the Novel.’
University of Chicago Press, 1988
 Janet Todd. ‘The Cambridge Introduction to Jane Austen.’ Cambridge
University Press, 2006.
 Marilyn Butler. ‘Jane Austen and the War of Ideas.’ Clarendon Press, 1975.