Northanger Abbey · Chapter
IV explained
Catherine meets Isabella Thorpe and her family in Bath, forming a quick friendship.
What happens
Catherine meets Isabella Thorpe and her family in Bath, forming a quick friendship. Mrs. Allen reunites with an old schoolfellow, Mrs. Thorpe, and Catherine is delighted to find a new companion, though she briefly forgets Mr. Tilney.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Deception
Catherine's quick attachment to Isabella Thorpe, based on superficial charm and shared interests, hints at potential deception.
Social Class and Wealth
Mrs. Thorpe's status as a not very rich widow and the comparison of lace on pelisses highlight class consciousness.
Characters to notice
- Catherine Morland
Delighted to meet Isabella Thorpe and form a new friendship, momentarily forgetting Mr. Tilney.
- Isabella Thorpe
Eldest Miss Thorpe, four years older than Catherine, who impresses her with knowledge of fashion and flirtations.
- Mrs. Allen
Reunites with her old schoolfellow Mrs. Thorpe in the Pump Room.
- Mrs. Thorpe
A widow and indulgent mother, who introduces her daughters to Mrs. Allen and Catherine.
- James Morland
Catherine's brother, whose friendship with John Thorpe leads to the introduction.
- John Thorpe
Mentioned as James Morland's college friend and brother to Isabella.
Key passages
“Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.”
Friendship is the best remedy for heartache.
Narrator's ironic comment on Catherine's quick shift of attention from Mr. Tilney to Isabella.
“Their conversation turned upon those subjects, of which the free discussion has generally much to do in perfecting a sudden intimacy between two young ladies: such as dress, balls, flirtations, and quizzes.”
They talked about fashion, parties, and gossip, which quickly bonded them as new friends.
Highlights the superficial basis of their new friendship.