Northanger Abbey

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is crafted to guide students through an exploration of bathos within Jane Austen’s classic novel “Northanger Abbey.” By examining this literary device in the context of a parody, learners can gain a more nuanced understanding of how authors use contrast and satire to create memorable effects and critiques in their writing.

The first part of the worksheet encourages students to identify the specific genre that “Northanger Abbey” parodies. It prompts a discussion on the novel’s satirical elements, asking what exactly the text is mocking. This serves as an excellent starting point for analyzing Austen’s use of bathos, leading to the second section where students are asked to recount the narrative and identify specific instances where Austen employs bathos to undercut expectations, thereby enhancing the satirical tone of the novel.

By identifying an example of bathos in the novel, students can appreciate Austen’s skill in merging the ridiculous with the serious to elicit a particular response from the reader. This exercise not only aids in understanding Austen’s literary technique but also reinforces the students’ ability to detect and interpret the use of bathos in literature more broadly, sharpening their critical thinking and analytical skills.