Catherine Morland was indeed a tomboy during her childhood, but by the age of seventeen, she is no longer characterized as such, being described as "in training for a heroine."
Catherine's Childhood: A Tomboy's Beginnings
In her early years, Catherine Morland, one of ten children of a country clergyman, exhibited traits commonly associated with a tomboy. This suggests a spirited and perhaps less traditionally feminine upbringing, likely involving active play and a lack of concern for formal accomplishments often expected of young ladies of her era. Her youthful days were marked by this free-spirited nature.
The Transition to a Heroine-in-Training
However, as Catherine matures to the age of seventeen, her character undergoes a distinct evolution. She is no longer primarily defined by her tomboy past. Instead, she is presented as being "in training for a heroine," indicating a deliberate shift towards embracing the societal expectations and romantic ideals of a protagonist in a novel. This phrase suggests a period of development where she is learning the graces, sensibilities, and even the emotional intricacies that would qualify her for such a role.
Her evolving interests further highlight this change:
- Literary Preferences: At seventeen, Catherine develops a fondness for reading Gothic novels. This particular genre, with its focus on suspense, mystery, romance, and often dramatic events, aligns well with the "heroine" archetype she is preparing for.
- Story Over Reflection: Importantly, she prefers these novels "provided they [are] all story and no reflection." This indicates a love for pure narrative and adventure, a desire to be swept away by plot rather than deep philosophical musings. While still perhaps less conventional than a love for more didactic or intellectual works, this focus on imaginative escape marks a departure from her earlier, purely physical tomboy inclinations.
Contrasting Phases of Catherine's Character
To illustrate the shift in Catherine's character, consider the following contrast:
| Aspect | Childhood (Tomboy) | Adolescence (Age 17) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Descriptor | A tomboy | "In training for a heroine" |
| Implied Activities | Active, less conventional play | Engaging with literary narratives |
| Key Interests | Unspecified, but likely physical | Gothic novels, focused on "story" over reflection |
This transformation from a childhood tomboy to a young woman aspiring to the role of a heroine reflects a typical journey of character development, especially within the context of 18th-century novels. While her past as a tomboy provides a unique foundation, her present self at seventeen marks a significant evolution towards a more romantic and imaginative persona.
