In Chapter 13, Sunday brought turmoil again into Catherine's usually peaceful life. Moments after confirming the next day's plans of a walk, with Miss Tilney and her brother, Catherine was bombarded by Isabella, John, and James' plea to drive to Clifton the tomorrow. Catherine stood firm in her refusal of the activity insisting that she had plans with the Tilney's. This time she was determined to not be thwarted in her plans.
Isabella tried different ways to make Catherine agree to her plan. "Isabella became only more and more urgent; calling on her in the most affectionate manner; was addressing her by the most endearing names… Isabella then tried another method. She reproached her with having more affection for Miss Tilney … Catherine though this reproach equally strange and unkind" (Austen 79).
Not only was Isabella against Catherine's plans, but James was too. "This was the first time of her brother's openly siding against her and anxious to avoid his displeasure, she proposed a compromise" (Austen 80). Unfortunately, nobody agreed to her straightforward request of waiting one day longer, and instead they all tried to cajole her into changing her plans.
While she was walking in an uncomfortable silence with Isabella and James, John went off and talked to Miss Tilney. Unbeknownst to Catherine, he postponed her plans with the Tilney's until Tuesday.
When she found out moments after the Tilney's left, Catherine was not happy. "'This will not do,' said Catherine; 'I cannot submit to this. I must run after Miss Tilney directly and set her right.' Isabella, however, caught hold of one hand; Thorpe of the other and remonstrance soured in from all three" (Austen 81). Catherine felt completely upset that Mr. Thorpe would meddle in things he had no business changing.
Catherine broke away and ran after the Tilney's. "If I could not be persuaded into doing what I thought wrong, I never will be tricked into it" (Austen 81).
Luckily, Catherine was able to talk to the Tilney's and straighten everything out; they were even able to confirm their walk the next day.
"Catherine… though sorry to think that Isabella should be doing wrong, felt greatly relieved by Mr. Allen's approbation of her danger of falling into such an error herself: (Austen 85).
Standing Firm:
ReplyDeleteCatherine finally takes a stand when asked to go out on a carriage ride again. She is not willing to be the natural pushover, and this causes the people in their group to take a better look at her. Catherin is unwilling to have her plans ruined, and stands firm in saying no.