Analyzing Themes Of Spacks 'Essay' Northanger Abbey

Themes of Northanger Abbey In Spacks essay, she discusses the fact that Northanger Abbey parodies the romantic Gothic novels of that time. She also argues about the generational conflict, and the characters use of imagination to promote their growth and maturity. She states that the growth takes place through "involvement and imagination"(303). I agree with Spacks by saying that there is plenty of imagination involved in this novel but in Catherine's case, I believe that her growth has more to do with her experiences. The involvement that Catherine has with General Tilney is crucial because she learns from him. She learns that good people could also have a bad side.
There is definitely an issue of personal experience to the perception of the world. Spacks states "Austin reveals significant separation from the important truths of experience" (304). Spacks also states that Mrs. Allen ignores the feelings of others because of her preoccupation to the muslin way of life. Her life is set up around a fantasy-based world. At the same
The novel's heroine Catherine shows the signs of evil within humans as she concocts stories about the so-called villain General Tilney. After being led through the abbey, Catherine begins to suspect something unnatural. "The General's evident desire of preventing such an examination was an additional stimulant. Something was certainly to be concealed"(128). She comes to the conclusion that he is hiding the body Mrs. Tilney. I believe this is when Catherine's character grows the most. She is no longer naïve; she sees the evil in other people along with the good. It is through her own perception of General Tilney and his actions that make her come to this realization. Although this is where I think her growth is best, she also becomes disenchanted at the same