What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger?

After class on Wednesday and after reading the Grace and Amelia’s blog posts, I started thinking about the differences between Buffy in “Tubula Rasa” and Catherine Morland in the way experience changes characterization. Although Catherine Morland has been criticized for being a weak heroine, I would argue that she demonstrates increasing strength of will and integrity throughout the course of Northanger Abbey. On the other hand, Buffy, who normally embodies all things strong and super, breaks down after gaining back her memory in ‘Tabula Rasa.” As we’ve discussed, both Buffy and Catherine start out in the novel and the episode as “blank slates,” and this allows their innate characteristics to shine through. However, as any student learns from Psych 101, it is the combination of nature and nurture that creates the final product of a character.

In her post, Amelia wonders whether or not ignorance is bliss. She notes that while Buffy had no memory of her past, she was able to regain her happiness and drive to be a force for good in the world; however, when she remembered her misery and pain from being brought back to life, she curled up in the fetal position and literally gave up. It’s Spike who rescues her by beating up the vampires around her, showing the distinction between pre-memory, heroine Buffy and post-memory damsel-in-distress Buffy. Although Buffy’s innate make-up seems to be that of a strong, independent person, her experiences shape her outlook on life in this episode and turn her into a weak character that doesn’t want to fight.

In the beginning of Northanger Abbey, Catherine Morland does not seem to have the same innate strength as Buffy. She is described as a character who, “never could learn or understand anything before she was taught; and sometimes not even then, for she was often inattentive, and occasionally stupid” (Austen, 38). She comes across much more as a damsel than a heroine, especially when she befriends Isabella and John Thorpe, both interested in her for selfish reasons. However, as the novel progresses and Catherine gains experience, we see her take on the role of heroine. She consciously turns down John Thorpe’s proposal, and terminates her friendship with Isabella after recognizing Isabella’s inconsistent character. Furthermore, Catherine learns from her experience at Northanger Abbey. Henry Tilney, who seemed superior to Catherine in the beginning of the novel, proposes to her at the end of the novel at the risk of displeasing his father. This action suggests that the two characters have become equal partners. Catherine moves from her position as a damsel to that of a heroine, as her experiences help her face the difficulties she encounters.