Firstly, Catherine’s friendship with Isabella negatively develops across the course of the novel. For example, the quote “Isabella tried to guilt Catherine into going by crying and saying that ‘she was sure her dearest, sweetest Catherine would not seriously refuse such a trifling request to a friend who loved her so dearly. She knew her beloved Catherine to have so feeling a heart, so sweet a temper, to be so easily persuaded by those she loved.’ ” suggests that Isabella tried to get Catherine to go on another trip with them and not go on her rescheduled walk with Eleanor and Henry. By attempting to manipulate Catherine into doing what she wants her to do, she is challenging Catherine’s trust. This makes Catherine less trustworthy of her friend.…show more content… Moreover, the quote “admitting Captain Tilney's attentions as readily as they were offered, and allowing him almost an equal share with James in her notice and smiles” implies that Isabella and Captain Tilney kept flirting with each other despite Isabella being…show more content… For example, John lied to General Tilney about the Morlands’ wealth because he had failed to win Catherine’s heart. John would have not approached Catherine if she were not the friend of Isabella. Catherine’s growth as a character is due to her increased maturity from being able to choose better friends. It contributes to themes such as lies and deceit, foolishness, youth and friendship. Catherine’s naivety often results in miscommunication. Their friendship results in many miscommunications such as John's misunderstood marriage proposal. This causes Catherine to grow as a character by learning to better understand those around her and to make herself better understood. Isabella, manipulative and scheming, lies to both Catherine and her brother. Her deceitful ways lead to Catherine getting in trouble. Foolishness, folly and youth are closely linked with each other. Due to her naivety and her lack of experience, Catherine is often made a fool of by Isabella. The theme of friendship in Northanger Abbey is mostly about Catherine’s journey and development in the
