Udolpho

Posted by Caroline on December 29, 1997 at 19:07:05:

In response to Hooray for NA!, written by Carolyn B on December 29, 1997 at 12:38:10

] I love the way JA makes fun of the literary conventions of other people's novels, and if you read the Gothic novels she refers to you may appreciate JA all the more for her brevity and wit. Kate suggests below doing just such a read in future.

] I have twice attempted to read Mrs. Radcliffe's Udolpho which Catherine devours so eagerly. (Someone here at Pemberley has suggested I try starting with one of Mrs. R's shorter novels instead.) I read enough of Udolpho at least to recognize all the excessive (greatly detailed ) emotions the heroine feels, which JA spares us in Catherine's case.

I tried to read Udolpho over Christmas..I really, really tried, for the fourth or fifth time, I think. I got exasperated by the "perfect" characters and the excessive and utterly incredible scenery descriptions about chapter 5. Reading Northanger after that was like a blast of clear, mountain air! But the experience brought the first chapter of Northanger really into focus,especially the description of Catherine. It also rounded off my impression ot Thorpe as being a complete and utter idiot...
]

REPLIES:

• Skeletons Valerie McKnight 20:30:16 1/02/98 (5)
  • Tell us!!!!!! Carolyn B 20:50:55 1/03/98 (4)
    • *Udolpho spoiler* Valerie Mc. 09:35:15 1/04/98 (3)
      • Thanks, Valerie! and would you consider..... Carolyn B 14:03:35 1/04/98 (2)
        • The Black Veil Valerie Mc. 20:06:53 1/04/98 (1)
          • Thanks! (NFM) Carolyn B 19:43:08 1/05/98 (0)

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