Generational conflict in “Northanger Abbey”

 

The object of this post is to discuss the generational conflict in “Nothanger Abbey” based on Patricia Meyer Spacks analysis in “Muted Discord: Generational Conflict in Jane Austen” from the book “Jane Austen in a Social Context” (1981).

The final clause settles the novel on this topic of intergenerational relationships: “I leave it to be settled, by whomsoever it may concern, whether the tendency of this work be altogether to recommend parental tyranny, or reward filial disobedience.” This ending serves as a rhetorical inclusion, providing a hermeneutic lens to the whole work.

Catherine, the protagonist, lives in a world of imagination shaped by the Gothic novels that she avid and excessively reads. In contrast, she understands the real world through the interaction with various characters, including General Tilney, the Allens and her own parents.

During her trip to Bath, the Allens assume a parental role. However, the absence of Mr Allen and the self-interest of Mrs Allen show their inadequacy for this role. For one thing, Mrs Allen is only interested in clothes and patterns of muslin. In addition to that, Catherine reproaches Mrs Allen that she did not warn her about the danger of going with the boorish John Thorpe on an excursion.

General Tilney adopts an ingratiating and tyrannical position. Initially, she blames him for the notional death of his wife. Further in the novel, he develops his life in a dream and is not able to distinguish between the grandeur or squalor that John credits the Morlands with. Finally, the young couple is going to be married under the condition of parental consent that he must bestow on them.

When Catherine is expelled by the high-handed General from the Abbey, she is foisted back on her family. Nonetheless, she finds a welcoming household at Fullerton. However, Ms Morland puts Catherine under scrutiny by questioning her about what she did wrong during her stay with the Tilneys.

Young and naïve Catherine needs the guidance of her elders, such as General Tilney, the Morlands, and the Allens, in order to understand the world that surrounds her.