Perhaps to all reading!
Posted by Carolyn B on January 14, 1998 at 17:51:38:
In response to Is she making reference to Catherine's reading? , written by Constanza on January 14, 1998 at 10:35:42
So, we have to admit the Professor has a good point? : )
"Northanger Abbey presents reading as at once a trivial pursuit, a form of social bonding, the quest for pleasure and satisfaction, and a trainee's preparation in reading the world."
My take on the quote:
The trivial pursuit is of course reading the silly Gothic novels which not only Catherine but Henry, Eleanor, and Isabella (and poor Miss Andrews) engage in.
As social bonding, reading gives Catherine something to talk about with the Tilneys as well as the Thorpes, and allows her to judge them by their reactions. Henry loves Mrs. Radcliffe; John dismisses such nonsense.
The quest for pleasure and satisfaction? Well, I think anyone on this board can discuss the joy of reading! : )
As a trainee's prep in reading the world... hmm... Mrs. Radcliffe doesn't do Catherine any favors. But don't we all form a certain amount of our perception of the world through what we read (in books, the newspapers, on the 'net) rather than by "living it"
I'll stop here since I've begun to ramble...
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