Northanger Abbey, chapter 31: The Viscount Who Married My Sister-in-Law

Does that title confuse you? Apologies if it does. But I wanted to convey the convoluted nature of events that lead to Cat’s eventual union with Henry Tilney, and here we are!

We begin with the erstwhile couple in a stalemate engagement: Cat’s parents approve, but only General Tilney’s permission can make it official. Until then, they can’t send out “save the date” cards. Even though his reason for disallowing the engagement is based in stubborn stupidity, his choice has to be honored, and the Morlands “[can] not allow themselves to encourage it.” Question: why are the two most level-headed Jane Austen parents capitulating to the demands of a pompous, cruel man-child?

The stalemate is in place for an undefined amount of time … at least, however much time can be defined by this being the final chapter, as the narrator admits that “we are hastening together to perfect felicity” in the final pages. How do we untangle this knot? Well, our lovely, patient Eleanor has long been admired by “a man of fortune and consequence” who, on popping the question, is the means of “her removal from all the evils of such a home as Northanger,” while having the bonus effect of putting her father in a really good mood. The narrator quickly ties this mystery man into the story by blaming his servants for leaving behind the laundry bill that Cat discovered. See? It was, um, foreshadowed. Sort of. 

Does anyone else hear that ghostly laughter coming from beyond the veil?

And so, when pressed by Eleanor, General Tilney declares that Henry can “be a fool if he like[s] it!” The news that Cat will have £3,000 and the possibility of the Allens passing some or all of their estate onto young Morland cheers him up further.

It’s funny to think that Austen, at this stage, did not think it was necessary to include any additional characters in her wrap-up. John Thorpe? We left his stupidity back in the previous chapter. Isabella Thorpe? Cat has had more important things to think about even before their friendship died. James Morland? His mom thinks he’ll get over the break-up, which is good enough for me. Captain Tilney? You know, technically he’s now the brother-in-law of his ex-girlfriend’s former fiancé. There’s no way they don’t meet at the wedding. How the hell how does that conversation go? Do you think James ends up thanking him? (This is such a Bridgerton sub-plot.)

So Cat gets the husband of her dreams, a kind and loyal sister-in-law … and the father-in-law from hell. Yay?

The narrator assures us that Henry and Cat, already in “perfect happiness” when they marry six months later, are stronger together thanks to the antagonism of General Tilney. It sure as hell better prepare Cat for a bumpy road ahead, no matter how much her £3,000 dowry may soften his attitude. There’s no doubt about it: this is a man who doesn’t care how much damage he does, and it’s partly because of society at large that he gets away with it. Shapard discussed last chapter the criticism directed at the portrayal of General Tilney and his rash actions, but interestingly there has been no discussion about whether the Morlands’ reaction to it is believable or realistic. No one condemns General Tilney; there’s no confrontation between he and Mr. Morland about the treatment of his daughter. He’s not punished nor held to accountability by anyone (except Henry, though it doesn’t do much good); he does not suffer socially. I suppose none of these actions would be considered genteel. So General Tilney’s extreme behavior is merely remarked upon, and ignored in practice. The result? He gets rewarded through his offsprings’ marriages. (Grrrr.)

The narrator leaves it to the reader to decide “whether the tendency of this work be altogether to recommend parental tyranny, or reward filial disobedience.” I’ll vote for not obeying in advance every time, personally.

That is a wrap on Northanger Abbey! I’ll return to explore themes ‘n’ stuff at a later date. Thank you all for completing this with me! (Still struggling with dental bills, so please donate if it’s within your means.)

 Credit to Nancy Alexander for the illustration.