Northanger Abbey: book discussion and a closer look at the Tilneys

Come join us for the November meeting as we revisit Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. We will start with a general discussion about the characters and themes (including how satire in the novel expresses Jane Austen's thoughts and Georgian/Regency society's views on novels themselves).

We will also look more into the Tilney's points of view; discussion-guiding questions posted below.

Hope to see you all there!

TILNEY RELATED QUESTIONS

1. What does the relationship between Henry and Eleanor say about each of their characters, and Austen’s views on the merits of men and women?
2. What do you think drives Henry’s sarcasm and humor? How may it be reflective of something deeper than simply his natural disposition?
3. How does the generals character evolve through the perspective of Catherine and the rise and fall of her dramatic assumptions? How does her changing view of the general reflect her own growth?
4. What does the character of Captain Frederick Tilney reveal about Jane Austen’s views on primogeniture?
5. Consider Austen’s closing line about filial disobedience and parental Tyranny. Which one does Austen seem to recommend? What other examples of parental tyranny and filial disobedience do we see in Austen’s novels?
6. How does Henry’s character evolve over the novel? How does he differ from the classic romantic/gothic hero?

GENERAL QUESTIONS:
7. How does Austen express her views on novels? What does this say about how regency society viewed gothic and romantic novels?

8. How is Catherine and Henry’s story different from the typical hero/heroine story in other novels?
9. How does Austen parodize gothic novels?