Jane Austen

[Oldposts]

Thank you all for your views.

I had read Northanger Abbey a few months back. The first part was highly interesting. Jane Austen wrote then novel to mock at the then prevailing craze over Gothic fiction - of the type written by Scott. The typical Austen humor which finds the greatest expression in the subtle remarks of Elizabeth in P & P, runs at full vigour in this novel as well. The discussion between Henry Tilney and Catherine Morland(the heroine if the novel) reflect Jane at her best in the novel.

However, once the story reaches the point when Catherine Morland visits the Abbey, it loses its charm and continuity. Inexplicable events take place, as when the General throws her out of the house without any reason whatsoever. The story ends much too fast, almost as if the authoress lost interest in the middle, and wanted to finish it off quickly.

Overall, I'd rate it a work in quality quite below P & P and Emma. Please comment on my views.