These books are seen as 'lesser than,' or 'watered down,' and not seen as being of as much note as literature written for adults. Literature written for readers younger than sixteen years of age often carries with itself a negative reputation. The Importance of Young Adult Literature The use of technology to overcome Cat's shyness is exactly in line with the behavior of many people today - and shows how the infusion of modern culture doesn't have to be as blatant or as heavy handed as the texting lingo that McDermid spreads throughout the text. After searching through countless photos and posts on his sisters' page, Cat is able to obtain both Henry's employment information and relationship status. When Cat meets Henry and inevitably falls for his good looks and charisma, she decides to search his name on Google, and when that doesn't work, she searches for both him and his sister on Facebook. Though it seems that McDermid fumbles at times, her use of Google and Facebook stalking as a means to gather more information on strangers are of note.

Very few pages go by without a reference to modern technology, in a style that will likely be outdated in a handful of years (if the reader doesn't find them outdated already). Cat and Bella constantly refer to their Facebook and Twitter accounts, and experience the technical difficulties of entering phone numbers into smartphones incorrectly. In McDermid's attempt to reconceptualize Northanger Abbey in today's society, she mostly relies on the presence of the internet and social media in everyday life. Major Themes Proliferation of Technology She often falls back on to her beloved science fiction and horror novels in order to focus her attention on a comfortable and familiar space in her life. Cat is torn between allegiances to each, and she frequently has a hard time navigating the social expectations that are coupled with friendship and romance. While in Edinburgh, Cat meets Bella and John Thorpe, as well as the charming Henry Tilney. Edinburgh has limitless cultural outlets for Cat - theatre, music, and shops fill up each and every one of her nights. It is only natural, therefore, that she jumps on the opportunity to visit Edinburgh with her neighbors and family friends the Allens. Due to the fact that she is the daughter of a minister and has been home schooled all her life, Cat hasn't had many social interactions or forays into the world outside of her hometown Piddle Valley. 2.2 The Importance of Young Adult LiteratureĬatherine Morland, or, as she prefers to be called, 'Cat', is a seventeen-year-old girl from the county of Dorset.

Northanger abbey by val mcdermid