# Social Class and Wealth in Northanger Abbey

> Theme guide for Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen.

Characters like General Tilney and John Thorpe judge others based on wealth and social standing, driving the plot through mistaken assumptions about Catherine's fortune and the pursuit of advantageous marriages.

## Where it surfaces

- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/northanger_abbey_se/chapters/iv): Mrs. Thorpe's status as a not very rich widow and the comparison of lace on pelisses highlight class consciousness.
- [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/northanger_abbey_se/chapters/viii): The ballroom setting highlights the importance of social standing and the pressure to secure a partner to avoid disgrace.
- [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/northanger_abbey_se/chapters/ix): Thorpe's inquiries about Mr. Allen's wealth and drinking habits highlight the preoccupation with money and status in Bath society.
- [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/northanger_abbey_se/chapters/xii): General Tilney's control over his daughter's social interactions and John Thorpe's flattery about the General's wealth highlight class dynamics.
- [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/northanger_abbey_se/chapters/xv): Isabella's concerns about fortune and her visions of a carriage and hoop rings underscore the importance of wealth and status in marriage.
- [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/northanger_abbey_se/chapters/xvii): General Tilney's invitation highlights the social gulf between Catherine's modest family and the wealthy Tilneys, yet he seeks her company.
- [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/northanger_abbey_se/chapters/xx): General Tilney's lavish travel arrangements and constant attentions highlight the power and discomfort of wealth and status.
- [Chapter XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/northanger_abbey_se/chapters/xxvi): Catherine's anxiety about her own lack of fortune mirrors Isabella's situation, highlighting the importance of wealth in marriage prospects.
- [Chapter XXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/northanger_abbey_se/chapters/xxx): General Tilney's anger is fueled by John Thorpe's false claims about the Morlands' poverty, highlighting the importance of wealth and status in marriage.
- [Chapter XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/northanger_abbey_se/chapters/xxxi): General Tilney's change of heart is driven by Eleanor's marriage to a titled, wealthy man and the discovery of Catherine's modest fortune, underscoring the role of class and money in marital alliances.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/northanger_abbey_se/themes/social_class_and_wealth
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/northanger_abbey_se/themes