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Northanger Abbey · Question

Who is General Tilney in Northanger Abbey?

Answer

General Tilney hosts Catherine at Northanger while believing Allen-level wealth; John Thorpe’s boasting and retraction make General expel her rudely. Social Class and Wealth drives him — not Gothic murderer but snob and domestic tyrant to Eleanor. His late consent to Henry’s marriage follows Eleanor’s viscount match and clearer facts about Catherine’s dowry.

Character id general_tilney; link murder suspicion satire — real vice is mercenary pride. Appearance vs. Reality marks his polished manners. Evidence Northanger hospitality chapters and xxix expulsion. The Role of Women theme pressure on Eleanor. Pair with Henry for generational contrast.

Evidence in the book

  • XX

    General welcomes Catherine to Northanger.

  • Chapter XXIX

    General sends Catherine away in disgrace.

Characters

Themes