Eleanor Tilney, a character from Jane Austen’s “Northanger Abbey,” is somewhat enigmatic. She plays a significant role in the novel, and her fate is used by Austen as a plot device to bring about a happy ending. Eleanor marries well unexpectedly, which helps to mend the relationship between her brother Henry and their father, allowing the Morlands to approve of Catherine.
At first glance, Eleanor might seem like a flat, two-dimensional character, but there’s more to her. Catherine, the novel’s main heroine, values Eleanor’s friendship highly, despite the harsh treatment she has received from General Tilney. Catherine’s evolved perception of the world suggests that Eleanor must indeed possess remarkable qualities.
Austen portrays Eleanor as elegant and genuine. She speaks her mind confidently during conversations with her brother and maintains a friendly, unpretentious demeanor with Catherine. Even though she manages her father’s temper well, she shows distress when he harshly sends Catherine away from the abbey.
Until that dramatic moment, Eleanor seems to handle her father’s whims with a certain finesse. This makes one wonder if her strong, independent nature would remain intact if faced with a gentler partner or if she would simply be thankful to escape her oppressive father’s grip.
Feminism, to me, is about making choices and directing one’s own life. Eleanor’s strength shouldn’t just transfer from one controlling figure to another, even if the latter is kinder. She should demonstrate that she is truly in charge of her destiny, showcasing her quiet strength and independence.
“Rational Creatures,” a collection of stories from sixteen authors, explores the lives of Austen’s spirited and independent female characters, highlighting their proto-feminist qualities. Set in Regency England, these tales delve into what made figures like Lady Susan so wicked or why Hettie Bates needed Emma Woodhouse’s sympathy. The anthology honors Austen’s works and her strong heroines who paved the way for women’s independence in a time when society wasn’t quite ready for it.
The anthology includes contributions from authors like Elizabeth Adams, Nicole Clarkston, and Christina Boyd, among others, and features a foreword by Devoney Looser. It’s a tribute to Austen’s influence on literature and the portrayal of strong women.
So, what are your thoughts on Eleanor Tilney? Do you have other favorite secondary heroines from Jane Austen’s novels? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
