# Chapter XVII explained — Northanger Abbey

> Chapter companion for Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Catherine learns that the Allens plan to stay another fortnight in Bath, but her joy is short-lived when Eleanor Tilney reveals that General Tilney intends to leave within a week. However, the General himself then invites Catherine to visit Northanger Abbey, and she eagerly accepts, pending her parents' approval. The Morlands consent, and Catherine is overjoyed at the prospect of staying at an abbey with Henry Tilney.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reality vs. Imagination

Catherine's romantic fantasies about Northanger Abbey—damp passages, ruined chapels, and legends of a nun—contrast with the Tilneys' matter-of-fact view of their home.

### Social Class and Wealth

General Tilney's invitation highlights the social gulf between Catherine's modest family and the wealthy Tilneys, yet he seeks her company.

### Love and Marriage

Catherine's attachment to Henry Tilney is central; her happiness hinges on being near him, and the visit to Northanger Abbey promises to deepen their acquaintance.

## Character check-ins

### Catherine Morland

Overjoyed by the invitation to Northanger Abbey, her feelings swing from suspense to disappointment to bliss.

### Henry Tilney

Catherine's thoughts are full of him; she looks forward to being under the same roof with him.

### Eleanor Tilney

She tells Catherine of her father's plan to leave Bath and then supports the invitation to Northanger Abbey.

### General Tilney

He decides to leave Bath early and personally invites Catherine to Northanger Abbey, having already secured the Allens' approval.

### Mr. Allen

He extends the stay in Bath by another fortnight, which initially delights Catherine.

### Mrs. Allen

Mentioned as one of Catherine's first friends who introduced her to Bath society.

## Key lines

> Her whole happiness seemed at stake, while the affair was in suspense, and everything secured when it was determined that the lodgings should be taken for another fortnight.

Catherine felt that her entire happiness depended on whether the Allens would stay longer in Bath, and she was relieved when they decided to remain for two more weeks.

_Illustrates Catherine's emotional dependence on being near the Tilneys._

> Northanger Abbey! These were thrilling words, and wound up Catherine's feelings to the highest point of ecstasy.

The mention of Northanger Abbey sent Catherine into a state of intense excitement and joy.

_Highlights Catherine's romantic enthusiasm for the abbey and her adventure._

> Her passion for ancient edifices was next in degree to her passion for Henry Tilney—and castles and abbeys made usually the charm of those reveries which his image did not fill.

Catherine loved old buildings almost as much as she loved Henry Tilney, and when she wasn't dreaming of him, she dreamed of castles and abbeys.

_Shows the blend of Catherine's romantic interests in both Henry and Gothic architecture._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/northanger_abbey_se/chapters/xvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/northanger_abbey_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/northanger_abbey_se/chapters