We surround ourselves with two kinds of people: those from whom we can benefit, and those whose company we enjoy. In Jane Austen's novel Northanger Abbey, both types of friendships are represented through Catherine and Isabella. Although both girls enjoy each other's company, their friendship is based solely on self-interest. Once she arrives in Bath, Catherine's lack of knowledge leads her to spend most of her time with Mrs. Allen. Mrs. Allen is Catherine's guardian in Bath. As a tutor, Ms. Allen's responsibility is to find knowledge for Catherine. Instead, Mrs. Allen says she would like to know people in Bath to introduce Catherine to. The situation that occurs during the ball is extremely humiliating for Catherine. Mrs. Allen and Catherine are seated together at a tea table, which is considered inappropriate. Mrs. Allen's role is to find gentlemen with whom Catherine can dance. Once again, Ms. Allen complains about her lack of knowledge. Catherine is determined to avoid these embarrassing situations by finding a friend. When Mrs. Allen introduces Catherine to Isabella, Catherine is happy to have met someone. Catherine's friendship with Isabella is based solely on expediency and self-interest. They lack many of the similarities and traits that friends usually possess. You might think that close friends know each other a lot, but in this case, Catherine and Isabelle know each other very little. The only topics they discuss are fashion, men, gothic novels, and gossip. Close friends tend to know what each other is thinking. Since friends spend most of their time together, they begin to notice small details that the other does or implies. Catherine doesn't notice the hidden means...... middle of paper...... walks away from Catherine when she knows her relationship with James is secure; James wants to marry Isabella. If Isabella hadn't had her eye on James, she wouldn't have become friends with Catherine. If Catherine had known more people in Bath, she would not have become friends with Isabella. In Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen uses self-interest as the basis for Catherine and Isabella's friendship. They start off as best friends and later find themselves growing apart. At the beginning of the novel, they valued each other's company solely for their well-being. Later, both of their needs are satisfied and they no longer wish to keep their friendship alive. Catherine makes more acquaintances and is no longer alone in Bath while Isabella finds the man who interests her. In conclusion, both characters act in a way that benefits them..