Allusions

Northanger Abbey

by Jane Austen

Northanger Abbey: Allusions 2 key examples

Definition of Allusion

In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals, historical events, or philosophical ideas... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to... read full definition
Volume 1, Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Historical References:

Jane Austen often alludes to historical events. The first allusion appears in Volume 1, Chapter 1 and is about Richard III. When describing Catherine, the narrator says:

Her father was a clergyman, without being neglected, or poor, and a very respectable man, though his name was Richard—and he had never been handsome.

Volume 1, Chapter 11
Explanation and Analysis—The Mysteries of Udolpho :

The most prominent allusions in Northanger Abbey are the recurring references to The Mysteries of Udolpho. This archetypical Gothic novel was published in 1794 by Ann Radcliffe. Many references to Udolpho comprise instances of satire, as Catherine imagines her own world to resemble that of Radcliffe's fictional one. In Volume 1, Chapter 14, Henry Tilney describes his first time reading the novel:

I have read all Mrs. Radcliffe’s works, and most of them with great pleasure. The Mysteries of Udolpho, when I had once begun it, I could not lay down again;—I remember finishing it in two days—my hair standing on end the whole time.

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Volume 1, Chapter 14
Explanation and Analysis—The Mysteries of Udolpho :

The most prominent allusions in Northanger Abbey are the recurring references to The Mysteries of Udolpho. This archetypical Gothic novel was published in 1794 by Ann Radcliffe. Many references to Udolpho comprise instances of satire, as Catherine imagines her own world to resemble that of Radcliffe's fictional one. In Volume 1, Chapter 14, Henry Tilney describes his first time reading the novel:

I have read all Mrs. Radcliffe’s works, and most of them with great pleasure. The Mysteries of Udolpho, when I had once begun it, I could not lay down again;—I remember finishing it in two days—my hair standing on end the whole time.

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Volume 2, Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Historical References:

Jane Austen often alludes to historical events. The first allusion appears in Volume 1, Chapter 1 and is about Richard III. When describing Catherine, the narrator says:

Her father was a clergyman, without being neglected, or poor, and a very respectable man, though his name was Richard—and he had never been handsome.

Unlock with LitCharts A+