The realistic novel, characterized by the presentation of reality and rational philosophy, was a genre created in response to the romantic, or "Gothic" novel, and characterized by sensationalist escapism. In contrast to the poetic and dreamlike language of romance, the diction of the realistic novel was more natural and simple, often making use of satire or dialogue. Realism tended to focus more on character study rather than actual plot, and lacked the fantastic events of the Gothic novel. However, Jane Austen's novel Northanger Abbey departs from the conventions of both literary techniques in that it uses aspects of both realism and romanticism. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Austen's use of dialogue and satire, as well as the ordinary events described in the novel, highlight the realistic aspects of the work. Instead of using flowery, romantic words reminiscent of those used by writers such as Pope, Gray, and Thompson (5), this piece uses concrete dialogue between characters to describe events. For example, Henry Tilney's interaction with Catherine (15) consists primarily of dialogue and is based on their speech rather than narrative description. The speaker uses tone and free indirect speech as a means of revealing the minds of the characters, which are arguably more important to the realistic novel than to the plot. Free indirect discourse allows readers to understand the emotions and thoughts of characters in scenes through the narrator's voice without the use of dialogue. As Catherine explores the Abbey for the first night, the storm and the "characteristic sounds" make her feel as if "she were really in an Abbey" (138). This reveals his misconceptions about Northanger Abbey and the expectations he has regarding its similarities to the setting of a true Gothic romance. These aspects help to show more of the characters' inner thoughts, allowing the narrator to reveal their development throughout the novel. The ordinary qualities of the characters in Northanger Abbey, and particularly that of Catherine, are used to ascribe a sense of reality to their individual characters. The heroine of the novel, Catherine, does not have the characteristics of the typical heroine of the Gothic novel. The reason for her "strange and inexplicable character" is that she possesses none of the notable qualities or extraordinary talents so often found in the heroines of the Gothic novel, but rather is described as decidedly "ordinary" (4). However, Catherine's maturation is evident towards the end of the novel; he developed the ability to see people for what they are (especially Isabella and General Tilney). After reading Isabella's letter describing what happened with Frederick Tilney, Catherine finally realizes the "inconsistencies, contradictions and falsehoods" surrounding their friendship and declares the contents of the letter "disgusting... empty and. .. brazen” (182). This reveals how Catherine is now able to see Isabella's true nature. Her interaction with Henry and willingness to speak out against her brother Frederick, stating that she "must say she doesn't like [her] at all" (182), shows a newfound independence and further growth in that she is now speaking out against Henry, who fears offending. After General Tilney forces Catherine to return home, her ability to speak openly about it to Eleanor rather than silently accept it reveals her growing maturity. Although "it [is] with sorrow" that Catherine speaks, she mentions her anxiety over the General's behavior for the sake of her friendship.