I thought that “Northanger Abbey” by Jane Austen was ok but nothing special. Nothing in the story really stood out to me, since most of the characters were either somewhat plain or annoying. The only character that I really liked was Henry Tilney, since he was kind and always seemed to have something insightful to say. For example, whenever he talked to Catherine he always had some type of advice or useful knowledge to give her which helped Catherine become more knowledgeable of the world and the people around her. I found Catherine to be a highly gullible and naïve person, since she based her opinions on one person, which unfortunately was John Thorpe and she that no one’s intentions could ever change. At a time a found her innocence amusing since she thought the Abbey was going to be like the one Henry described in the story he told her, and for a short time she believed him, due to the cabinet she overlooked at first just like in his story and the mysterious chest. I also found it amusing that she thought the General murdered his wife or was keeping her prisoner somewhere, because he did not like talking about her or going to the places that she liked. In the end, I think she learned some valuable lessons that she could use if she is confronted with a similar issue in the future, since she now knows more about people. I found John Thorpe to be the most annoying character in this story since he tried to be someone he was not and he clearly did not know what he is talking about. I seriously thought that it was pathetic that he tried to ruin the chances of Catherine and Henry being together when Catherine never expressed any feelings for him. I just do not understand how he could not notice how rude he was being. In a way Henry Tilney seems to be the opposite of John Thorpe, since Henry appreciates a good book, is calm when he is the coachman on the way to Northanger Abbey, and is overall more proper and treats Catherine better, unlike John.
Discussion Questions:
Was John Thrope just crazy for doing all of the things that he did or do you think he had some type of inner struggle that he was trying to cover up which made him try to make himself appear better to those around him and put false ideas in his head?
Since John Thorpe is General Tilney’s friend, should the General have based his opinion of Catherine on John or should he have asked her himself in the first place?
John Thorpe may very well have been wrestling with some feelings of insecurity, though from our vantage points all we ever really see is his complete dick-ish behaviour. I would also think that the General should have just gone directly to Catherine for answers; but at this point in time, I am sure that would have violated certain social norms.
ReplyDeleteJohn Thorpe was just an ignorant fool that had no understanding of how to treat a woman or even to attract a woman. I agree with the above comment that he had to be struggling with some sort of insecurity because there was no reason for his actions. He was not only rude but was disrespectful to the female population that surrounded him.
ReplyDeleteJohn Thorpe was definitely insecure and that is why he tried to make himself appear better than he actually was. I wonder what made him that way though.. But I didn't like him at all. I don't understand how he could not see that Catherine was not interested in him when basically everyone else could.
ReplyDelete-Laura