Abstract: Northanger Abbey, unlike other famous novel by Jane Austen, is not studied by people extensively. Although there are people who analyzed this novel in the perspective of feminism, few people analyzed it in the perspective of Gothic Feminism. The thesis holds the idea that the novel can be regarded as a Female Gothic novel, and it is necessary to re-read and re-examine the novel Northanger Abbey on the relation between female subjects and the Gothic elements. The thesis will analyze the Gothic elements and Gothic female images in detail to show the author’s idea. Our findings indicate the deeply couched women writers’ dissension with male-dominated society. The integration of Gothic elements expresses their rebellion against male-dominated society while still keeping their identities and role as the wives and mothers of the bourgeoisie. 

Key words: Female Gothic novel; Gothic elements; Northanger Abbey; Jane Austen

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction of Jane Austen and Northanger Abbey-1

1.2 Rise of Gothic Novel and Female Gothic Novel-3

2. Gothic Elements in Northanger Abbey-5

2.1 Setting-5

2.2 Terror Elements-6

2.3 Psychological Depiction-8

2.4 Duality and Its Manifestation in Northanger Abbey-8

3. Gothic Analysis of Female Figures in Northanger Abbey-10

3.1 The Ideal Heroine: Catherine Morland-10

3.2 The Angle in the House: Mrs. Allen-15

3.3 The Victim of Patriarchal Society: Isabella-16

4. Conclusion-18

References-19