In Praise of Jane Austen's Least Beloved Novel
Briefly

'Northanger Abbey,' one of Jane Austen's lesser-known novels, offers a critical view of the sentimental novel genre through its protagonist Catherine Morland, who defies traditional heroine tropes. Written in her twenties but published posthumously, it reflects Austen's satirical take on narrative conventions and the portrayal of female characters. The novel leads the reader through Catherine's adventures while mocking prevalent literary norms, positioning 'Northanger Abbey' as a blend of marriage plot and commentary on storytelling in literature, ultimately revealing its significance.
"No one who had ever seen Catherine Morland in her infancy would have supposed her born to be a heroine." This quote establishes the unconventional nature of Austen's protagonist.
Austen's 'Northanger Abbey' flourishes by satirizing the sentimental novel conventions and customs, marking its significance in literary canon as a unique commentary on narrative structures.
Read at The New Yorker
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