Northanger Abbey

Jane Austen, (1775-1817) was an English novelist known for her realism. Her family was part of the lower level gentry. She lived with her family and was active in church and the social activities of her gender and station. Jane used biting social commentary and irony in her works. Northanger Abbey is a comedy of manners and a spoof on the Gothic novels of the early nineteenth century. On a visit to Bath, the unspoiled heroine experiences some disillusionments and finds romance. Her imagination conjures up mystery and horror where none exists.