Northanger Abbey Read-Along Chapters 25-31

So a lot happened in these chapters! Like, wow. Whereas the last set of chapters kind of lagged until the last couple of days, these really moved along. I was really taken by surprise as I read through some of the changes that were taking place within these chapters. And I have to admit, even though sometimes Catherine seems a bit over dramatic, my heart went out to her in this week. I probably would have reacted similarly if I had been in that situation. I found myself very curious as to have everything would be solved and read both chapters 30 and 31 last just to see what happened. And I must admit, I'm quite pleased with the results.

I can't believe it's the last week! Where has the time gone? Listed below are my answers to the final discussion questions, which were written by Amber.

1. How would you respond to General Tilney's rudeness if you were: Catherine? Eleanor? Catherine's parents?

Catherine: I would be so crushed! And I would feel a bit side swept, too. But then again, I would probably blame myself, too, fearing that I was being punished for suspecting him of unsavory plans earlier in the book. It would be a mixture of miserable feelings, for sure!

Eleanor: I would be almost as crushed as if I were Catherine. They seemed to become good friends, and I would hate to see one of my good friends turned away from my home.

Catherine's parents: I would be furious! I don't have kids of my own, but I'm pretty protective of the family I do have and it would make me so angry to hear of someone putting them down so.

2. How do you feel about Henry Tilney by the end of the story? What do you think of his home in Woodston, his response to his father's actions toward Catherine, and his initial reasons for pursuing her?

I came to love Henry Tilney. True, I think he sometimes takes his teasing a little too far, but I like that he isn't a dry reverend and I love that he pursued Catherine despite his father's interference. I admire how close he is with his family and I love that he enjoys reading! I think his home at Woodston sounds rather cozy and homey as opposed to cold and rambling Northanger Abbey. I think Catherine would feel much more at home at Woodston.

3. The final line of the book states, "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." What is your verdict? Do you believe the story recommends parental tyranny or a child's disobedience? What do you believe is the book's real message?

I don't really feel that it recommends either. I feel like this is a story of a love that survived great tests. Catherine and Henry's relationship was thwarted at every turn, it seemed, first by the Thorpes and then by General Tilney. But "what God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." ;-) It just goes to show that if a couple are meant to be, then nothing can tear them apart.

And so now I bid adieu to the Northanger Abbey read-along of 2016. It's been great fun! I've enjoyed becoming better acquainted with this work of the lovely Ms. Jane Austen and have loved talking with fellow readers this month. I can't wait to do another read-along!

-Miranda Atchley