Northanger Abbey Society and Class Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

"You are not fond of the country."

"Yes, I am. I have always lived there, and always been very happy. But certainly there is much more sameness in a country life than in a Bath life. One day in the country is exactly like another."

"But then you spend your time so much more rationally in the country." (10.46-48)

Country society and urban society are debated once again here. Catherine is fond of both, though she enjoys the social life she has in Bath. Henry implies that there is something irrational and ridiculous about life in Bath.

Quote #5

She knew not how such an offense as hers might be classed by the laws of worldly politeness, to what a degree of unforgiveness it might with propriety lead, nor to what rigours of rudeness in return might justly make her amendable. (12.3)

Learning the rules of polite society is a difficult task for Catherine, who is experiencing "worldly" urban society for the first time.

Quote #6

"These schemes are not at all the thing. Young men and women driving about the country in open carriages! Now and then it is very well; but going to inns and public places together! It is not right; and I wonder Mrs. Thorpe should allow it." (13.30)

Mr. Allen notes that such behavior is improper and bordering on scandalous. Catherine had a rather fortunate escape from gossip here, since she went out riding unchaperoned with the Thorpes multiple times.