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Review of the 2007 Northanger Abbey film starring Felicity Jones, Carrey Mulligan, and JJ Feild.

This week Catrina and Elle talk about the only film adaptation they will be watching of Northanger Abbey. How did this film compare to the book? What was changed? What stayed true to the story? How did this adaptation compare to other films? 

With a few deviations from the book, this adaptation actually improves upon the original story. Catherine indulges in a few book fantasies. Isabella feels the repercussions of her actions. But, most importantly, we see how the story ends for General Tilney. 

Most importantly - *swoon* Mr. Tilney!

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This week Catrina and Elle talk about everything Northanger Abbey.  Specifically, we talk about what we liked and didn't like in this novel. How does it compare to the other Austen novels we have read so far? And what we thought about the heroine and hero versus our previous heroines and heroes.

Catrina also leads a discussion about gothic novels and how Austen used certain tropes. This is a parody of a traditional gothic novel, but how did Austen turn tropes on their heads? 

Of course, we can't forget our superlatives! See who is most likely to survive a horror movie and who we think is secretly a serial killer.  

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Northanger Abbey: Chapters 24 - End

This week Catrina and Elle finish Northanger Abbey. We finally get to see the end of Catherine's tale. Most importantly, we finally see the scariest part of the entire novel - will our hero survive her terrifying circumstance?

Northanger Abbey is starting to feel a bit like home for Catherine. She and Elenor are getting along great! Until one evening, General Tilney returns abruptly from London and demands that Catherine leave the following morning - no time to send for a family member, no money, no servant to accompany her. GASP!

A woman alone riding seventy miles by post! Anything could happen! Will she make it? Why would General Tilney send her away? What does this mean for her potential future with Henry?

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Northanger Abbey Chapters 24 - 27

This week Elle and Catrina get very confused about what chapters they are talking about. But after they get it all settled, they discuss everything from Mrs. Tilney's death, Captian Tilney's potential marriage, and Isabella's betrayal. 

Catherine finally discovers the truth about Mrs. Tilney's death after being caught snooping around the house by none other than Henry Tilney. Will this ruin her chances at a happily ever after with our hero? No, actually, he found it kinda cute. Just further proof that Tilney really is the best Austen hero.

While there might not be a scandal between Catherine and Henry, there is certainly trouble afoot. Catherine soon receives a letter from her brother James about his engagement to Isabella. Everything has fallen apart and who could be to blame? Isabella? James? Perhaps, Captian Tilney?

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Northanger Abbey - Chapters: 20-23

Elle and Catrina finally make it to Northanger Abbey... I mean... Catherine Morland finally makes it to Northanger Abbey!

Catherine heads to the Abbey with the Tilney's. She is extremely excited because she gets to spend time with her new friend Elenor and her love interest Henry. Most importantly, she gets to go and stay in an abbey! Her little gothic novel fangirl heart might just explode. 

Of course, she can't visit an abbey without finding all the spooky stuff. Henry tells her about all the mysterious things she is likely to find in his old house and Catherine certainly finds them. What's more, she believes she has uncovered a secret that even Henry and Elenor are unaware of. 

Who needs a secret wife in the attic, when you have a secret wife in the basement?

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Northanger Abbey: Chapters 16 to 19

This week Catrina and Elle finally enter the spooky part of this novel. These first chapters of volume two set the stage for our eventual trip to the titular house. What's more, we get a bit of insight into Isabella and James' relationship.

Catherine starts off this section by spending time with our new favorite hero, Henry Tilney. More importantly, we get to meet Henry's older brother, Captain Tilney. He is handsome, charming, and flirting like crazy with the recently engaged Isabella. 

Our innocent and naive heroine doesn't quite understand why her friend is flirting with Captian Tilney. We get it, they are both young, hot, and James clearly doesn't make enough money to keep Isabella happy, so she is going to flirt a bit... right?

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Northanger Abbey: Chapters 13 -15

This week Elle and Catrina finish volume 1 of Northanger Abbey. Elle is excited that we get to spend more time with Mr. Tilney and Catrina relates to Catherine's dilemma of choosing between friend groups. 

Despite John Thorpe's best efforts, Catherine gets to spend some quality time with Henry Tilney... and his sister. More importantly, she learns that her beloved Henry likes novels! He reads fiction and he doesn't make fun of Catherine for her love of books. He really is perfect. 

Of course, John does something bad because he is a terrible, terrible person. 

 Also, make sure to check out our friends at Lit Wallflowers, another great podcast from the Frolic Podcast Network. 

 Wit Beyond Measure is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at
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Northanger Abbey Chapters 9-12

These chapters include Catherine finally getting the chance to dance with her beloved Mr. Tilney once again. However, just before she is supposed to go walking with him and his sister, therefore solidifying their connection, she is kidnapped by the horrible Mr. Thorpe. Surely her chances with Tilney are over!  

This week Catrina and Elle talk about the absolutely terrible John Thorpe. Seriously, this guy is literally the worst - and this is coming from two people who know all about Wickham, Willoughby, and Mr. Collins. 

Also, make sure to check out our friends at Smart Podcast, Trashy Books, another great podcast from the Frolic Podcast Network. 

 Wit Beyond Measure is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at
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Chapters 5-8 of Northanger Abbey

This week Elle and Catrina discuss the history of the English novel and what that means for this story. We meet a few new characters, have our hearts played with a bit, and discuss why certain kinds of literature are considered better than others - even if those considerations are false. 

Most importantly Catrina and Elle finally meet the worst character in the entire novel. While everyone can agree that Mr. Collins is one of Austen's worst characters to be around, it seems that Mr. Thorpe will give him a run for his money.

Also, make sure to check out our friends at What Would Danbury Do, another great podcast from the Frolic Podcast Network. 

 Wit Beyond Measure is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at
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Chapters 1-4 of Northanger Abbey

Catherine Morland is an ordinary girl. She is pretty, but not remarkable. She is intelligent, but not a prodigy. She is well off, but not wealthy. Most importantly, she is our heroine. Why, because that is, literally, what Northanger Abbey tells us.

Elle and Catrina start Northanger Abbey. Known as Austen's Gothic novel, this less popular book was actually the first complete novel she wrote. What's more, it is actually a parody of both the Gothic and sentimental romances of the time.

Join us as we dive deep into this spooky book, just in time for fall!

This episode is brought to you by Kensington's newest title from Shelly Laurenston, BREAKING BADGER. Find out more at Kensingtonbooks.com

Wit Beyond Measure is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at
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