Northanger Abbey for A level English Literature coursework

The plot in six lines

Catherine Morland travels to Bath with Mr and Mrs Allen, enters fashionable society and meets Henry Tilney, a young clergyman whose teasing conversation delights her.

Catherine befriends Isabella Thorpe, who hopes to marry her brother James, but John Thorpe's lies and the Thorpes' pressure teach her to question their friendship.

As Catherine grows closer to Henry and his sister Eleanor, General Tilney invites her to Northanger Abbey, where she expects the mysteries of her favourite Gothic tales.

The abbey proves comfortable rather than frightening, but Catherine suspects General Tilney of cruelty towards his late wife until Henry confronts her and exposes her mistaken judgment.

Discovering that Catherine is less wealthy than he believes, General Tilney angrily sends her home alone, but Henry follows her to Fullerton and proposes against his father's wishes.

After Eleanor marries a wealthy man, General Tilney gives his consent, Catherine's parents agree to the marriage, and Catherine and Henry marry.

Themes

Imagination and judgment: Catherine's Gothic expectations distort her understanding of the abbey, until she learns to judge people through evidence rather than imagined mysteries.

Money and courtship: The Thorpes' interest in fortune and General Tilney's changing treatment of Catherine reveal how wealth shapes apparently affectionate relationships.

True friendship: Isabella's warm declarations contrast with Eleanor's steady kindness, teaching Catherine to value actions rather than flattering speeches.

Growing up: Catherine learns to resist pressure and acknowledge mistakes while keeping the honesty and warmth that distinguish her from more calculating people.

Reading and novels: The narrator defends the value of novels while the Gothic parody shows why reading should sharpen judgment rather than replace experience.

Characters

• Catherine MorlandA seventeen year old clergyman's daughter who loves Gothic novels, trusts everyone and wants adventure, friendship and love.
• Henry TilneyA witty young clergyman who enjoys teasing Catherine, and who guides her toward good sense.
• Eleanor TilneyHenry's gentle, modest sister, who becomes Catherine's steady friend and wants peace in her father's house.
• General TilneyThe proud, commanding father of the Tilneys, who is very eager to impress and who cares about wealth and rank.
• Isabella ThorpeA lively, pretty girl who offers Catherine quick friendship, shares her love of novels, and wants a good match.
• John ThorpeIsabella's loud, boastful brother, who brags about his horses and expects Catherine's attention.

From the boards' own documents (the specifications and coursework guidance listed under Sources), read on 24 October 2026. Your school chooses the coursework texts: ask your teacher before you start.

Questions