As my focus I'm looking at Eleanor Tilney. Last week we had a brief introduction, but this week we become more acquainted with her, as does Catherine.

We learn from ch 9 that Miss Tilney is rich and well dressed. Her mother had 20K pounds, so we can assume that Eleanor has at least 7K given that she has 2 siblings. Mrs Allen comments in chapter 12 that she wears white. In ch 14 she notes that she enjoys novels as well as history, and is knowledgeble in painting, so she shows signs of being an accomplished, well balanced individual.

What I wanted to focus on this week is how Miss Tilney shows great depth of character, but only if you look closely. JA comments in ch 10 that both she and Catherine speak with simplicity and truth, so Eleanor is sincere, but doesn't need to display her feelings or abilities to the world, in the same way she was able to attend the ball in ch 8 without needing to attract every male. When you do look, there are some interesting personality traits, masked in subtltey and tact.

Artfulness:
In ch 10, Eleanor is amused when Catherine begins to talk of Henry.

'Henry!' she replied with a smile

Later when Catherine asks if the Tilneys will be at the ball the following evening, she replies

Perhaps we - yes, I think we certainly shall

Here Eleanor is forming a plan on the spot, based on Catherine's enthusiasm for both her and her brother's company. The next evening Henry heads straight to Catherine at the ball and asks her to dance directly, something he hasn't done previously. Although there is no real textual evidence, I've always believed this to be Eleanor's work based on her previous comments, and some comments the narrator makes later in the novel. Eleanor sees an opportunity, orchestrates a meeting, and possibly tells Henry that Catherine is interested in him. There's no need for her to be arch, or tease Catherine about it (as Isabella would), so long as the job is done.

Teasing:
Eleanor and Henry have a lovely rapport. She too has a good sense of humour, and teases Henry about taking the book away. Yet she keeps it within reason as she is aware that Catherine is not used to their behaviour, and isn't afraid to tell Henry off for this, saying you are more nice than wise. Once again she is showing tact and kindness.

Gothic Heroine:
Eleanor is beginning to display all the signs of a gothic heroine. She is rich, beautiful, elegant, accomplished and kind. As an added bonus, she comes complete with an oppressive father who prevents her from seeing Catherine for even a few minutes (ch 12), and puts her and Henry in poor spirits while trying to entertain guests at dinner (ch 16). Yet she doesn't feel the need to share a sob story with the world, nor make things appear more complicated than they are, as Isabella does.