Posted by Janette on August 20, 1997 at 20:13:20:
In reply to Re: Question about Northanger Abbey posted by kathleen (elder) on August 20, 1997 at 17:45:32
Are they talking about Isabella, or Catherine?
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] ________
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] Both, in two different ways! On the surface, Henry is talking about Isabella and is describing her in the way that Catherine thinks about her, even though Isabella is not at all like the description. Henry, however, is actually describing Catherine, and Eleanor lets him know that she's on to his game, and that she (Eleanor) would like very much to have Catherine as a sister.
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I basically agree but I don't think Henry is talking about Isabella even on the surface here. He has just heard of her bad treatment of James Morland and makes the statement as a contrast to Isabella. Frederick may have saddled himself with Isabella, but this is the sort of wife you may expect me to choose - someone of completely opposite character. He then describes Catherine. Eleanor understands him and approves but the whole thing goes right over Catherine's head, or course. That's the way I have always read it.
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