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Motifs
Definition of Satire
Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. Public figures, such as politicians, are often the subject of satire, but satirists can take... read full definition
Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. Public figures, such as politicians, are often the subject of... read full definition
Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. Public figures, such as politicians... read full definition
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.
Related Themes:
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:
Unlock with LitCharts A+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.
Related Themes:
Volume 2, Chapter 6
Explanation and Analysis—The Gothic Novel:
Northanger Abbey is a satire of sappy romances and classic Gothic novels. One prominent element of sentimental literature is an emotional, overwrought heroine; Catherine is easily impressed by normal experiences like visiting the abbey. In Volume 2, Chapter 7, she has a dramatic reaction to seeing it for the first time:
Unlock with LitCharts A+She was struck however, beyond her expectation, by the grandeur of the Abbey, as she saw it for the first time from the lawn. The whole building enclosed a large court; and two sides of the quadrangle, rich in Gothic ornaments, stood forward for admiration.
Related Themes:
Volume 2, Chapter 7
Explanation and Analysis—The Gothic Novel:
Northanger Abbey is a satire of sappy romances and classic Gothic novels. One prominent element of sentimental literature is an emotional, overwrought heroine; Catherine is easily impressed by normal experiences like visiting the abbey. In Volume 2, Chapter 7, she has a dramatic reaction to seeing it for the first time:
Unlock with LitCharts A+She was struck however, beyond her expectation, by the grandeur of the Abbey, as she saw it for the first time from the lawn. The whole building enclosed a large court; and two sides of the quadrangle, rich in Gothic ornaments, stood forward for admiration.
Related Themes:
