Northanger Abbey: an Underrated Introduction to Austen

Many people find themselves a fan of Jane Austen’s works through her most well-known novels, often Pride and Prejudice or Emma, books which have undergone several screen adaptations featuring some of the most beloved actors of a generation and thus reaching younger audiences faster than some of her less popular novels. However, for the aspiring young Janeite, I would suggest that it is Northanger Abbey’s Catherine Morland, rather than Elizabeth Bennet, who is the perfect introductory heroine to Austen’s literary escapades. 

The first of Austen’s novels to be fully completed, Northanger Abbey is arguably a coming-of-age story. ‘No one […] would have supposed’ Catherine Morland a ‘born heroine’; what teenager, at one time or another, hasn’t considered themselves destined to be a side character? From the very first sentence, Catherine allows every reader to project themselves onto her. She runs wild in nature and attends numerous social engagements throughout the novel, yet the introverts amongst us can relate to her desire to curl up with a book and read just one more chapter. 

As a key part of her character growth (and in order to meet her future husband, Henry Tilney), Catherine must travel to Bath with the ever-entertaining Allens. This expansion of the world as she knows it is a key feature of many modern coming-of-age stories, and reflects the changes young people must go through, particularly in starting a new school or flying the nest completely to attend university or find employment further afield. Armed with a copy of Northanger Abbey, these changes may feel a little less daunting and may excite the possibility of greater adventures to come. 

Perhaps the most compelling part of the story for any young reader – particularly female readers – is the fickle, unreliable character of Isabella Thorpe, whom Catherine initially befriends. She finds herself taken under Isabella’s wing, where she remains in spite of her growing misgivings, and [SPOILERS] Isabella’s ultimate betrayal of Catherine and her brother James rings true of many a false friendship or social climber encountered in middle or high school. Jane Austen doesn’t just pander to a female audience, however: Henry Tilney shines as an exemplary role model for me of any age, balancing humour with sincerity, and showing dedication to his morals even at the risk of personal cost. 

In addition to resonating with the universal struggles of being a teenager today, Jane Austen also uses Northanger Abbey to satirise the Gothic genre, despite proving simultaneously her own masterful grasp of the style. This allows first-time readers an easy, cushioned introduction to Gothic literature, which creates pathways to explore many other classic works without requiring detailed study first. 

I am in no way suggesting that Northanger Abbey can only be enjoyed by young people: like all of Austen’s novels, it appeals to everyone regardless of age. With its themes of discovery, regarding both new places and ulterior facets of seemingly harmless people, the novel speaks to the common joys and difficulties of being a teenager, both in Jane’s time and today. If you are keen to delve into Jane Austen for the first time or know a young person who is, Northanger Abbey is an underrated but perfect segue into the extraordinary work of an extraordinary woman. 

Rhianna Burbidge is a student of English Literature with a focus on issues which affect young people in society. Influenced by Jane Austen’s comedic wit and satire, she also aspires to be a writer and hopes to adapt Northanger Abbey for stage and/or screen one day, following her exploration of script writing through the genre of documentary theatre. Rhianna recently attended the Jane Austen Festival, where she met some of the kindest (and best dressed!) people on the planet.