I have a question for first time NA readers. What is your opinion of Isabella Thorpe? Do you like her at this stage or do you find her annoying?

I think in my first reading of NA I was so pleased that Catherine had found someone, anyone, to be friends with, that I overlooked a lot of IT's shallowness. Now I see her, and I want to give her a SUTH.

In a way it's very kind hearted for IT to consider Catherine such a good friend immediately, based on her friendship with her brother. On the other hand, we see that this sudden intimacy has little substance when you consider the things they discuss, such as novels they will read, clothing and quizzes.

What I find interesting is that when Henry first meets Catherine, he jokes about how they will soon be acquainted. He also mocks the small talk that is typically made in Bath. Yet two chapters later Catherine goes on to become quickly aquainted with Isabella, and makes the small talk that Henry so eloquently mocks. Isabella certainly has a strong influence over Catherine.