Northanger Abbey · Chapter
Chapter XXVIII explained
Catherine is abruptly expelled from Northanger Abbey by General Tilney without explanation.
What happens
Catherine is abruptly expelled from Northanger Abbey by General Tilney without explanation. She spends a miserable night and leaves early the next morning, despite Eleanor's attempts to comfort her. Eleanor lends her money for the journey, and Catherine departs in distress, leaving a message for Henry. The chapter then flashes back to a happier period when the General was away, allowing Catherine and Eleanor to enjoy freedom and intimacy, and Catherine decides to extend her stay.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
General Tilney's former politeness and fondness for Catherine are revealed as false when he cruelly expels her.
Friendship and Deception
Eleanor's genuine friendship contrasts with the General's deceptive behavior; Catherine's trust is betrayed.
Characters to notice
- Catherine Morland
Expelled from Northanger Abbey; suffers emotional turmoil and leaves hastily.
- Eleanor Tilney
Supports Catherine during her departure; lends her money and asks her to write.
- General Tilney
Orders Catherine's abrupt expulsion; later goes to London, allowing a period of freedom.
- Henry Tilney
Absent during Catherine's departure; later shown to be gratified by her extended stay.
Key passages
“Turned from the house, and in such a way! Without any reason that could justify, any apology that could atone for the abruptness, the rudeness, nay, the insolence of it.”
Catherine is shocked at being thrown out of the house so rudely and without any justification or apology.
Highlights Catherine's sense of injustice and the General's insulting behavior.
“The happiness with which their time now passed, every employment voluntary, every laugh indulged, every meal a scene of ease and good humour, walking where they liked and when they liked, their hours, pleasures, and fatigues at their own command, made her thoroughly sensible of the restraint which the General’s presence had imposed.”
During the General's absence, Catherine and Eleanor enjoy complete freedom and happiness, making Catherine realize how oppressive the General's presence had been.
Contrasts the oppressive atmosphere under the General with the liberating time when he is away.