...(NA 138-39). Later, General Tilney tells Catherine Morland that he wanted to see his old friends the Marquis of Longtown and General Courteney. To today's readers, this expectation and his response seem reasonable since Bath was popular spa town frequented by the gentry in 1797-98, when the early version of Northanger Abbey was started. As regards "the waters," however, some explanation is necessary. Why does Miss Tilney attempt to persuade her father to try "the waters" only to be refused?

As well as providing opportunities for social mixing, Bath offered up-to-date medical treatments using its water (Takei 147). The effects of Bath water were well-known as early as the 1700s. General Tilney apparently goes to Bath for medical purposes. Miss Tilney's remark that "'he is now pretty well'" (italics mine) hints that he has suffered from some ailment and that he was not well before leaving for Bath.

Examining the age and lifestyle of General Tilney is helpful in identifying his affliction. He is "past the bloom, but not past the vigour of life" (80) and, in the words of John Thorpe, "'stout, active,'" looking young for his age (95). He loves good meals and eats well. For example, Catherine is surprised to see a variety of dishes on a breakfast table while the Tilneys stay in Bath. At Northanger Abbey, she observes that the General "'has always such an excellent dinner at home'" (211). At the grand dinner at Henry's parsonage, General Tilney wants cold meat in addition to what has been provided. Indeed, like Dr. Grant in Mansfield Park, General Tilney is representative of the fastidious gourmands Austen created. Given that Dr. Grant visits Bath to cure his gout, General...

NOTE: All illustrations and photos have been removed from this article.



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