Northanger Abbey

Historical Context and Significance

«Northanger Abbey» is the first major novel by English writer Jane Austen, begun in the late 18th century and published posthumously in 1818. This novel differs from Austen's other works as it is a parody of Gothic novels popular during that period. In it, the author humorously plays with motifs of mysterious castles, hidden passages, and exposes the banality of real life compared to the fantasies of Gothic novels. «Northanger Abbey» also touches on important themes of coming of age, education, and the role of women in early 19th-century society, presenting a critical view of the morals and social norms of the time. Through it, Jane Austen solidified her reputation as one of the leading writers of her time, making a significant contribution to the development of the realistic novel.