Episode 69: Villain off 2024 - General Tilney vs. Sir Walter Elliot

What the Austen? Podcast

General Tilney vs. Sir Walter Elliot: Who Will Wear This Year's Crown of the Ultimate Jane Austen Villain? In this episode, we dive into the complex characters of General Tilney from Northanger Abbey and Sir Walter Elliot from Persuasion. General Tilney, with his cold obsession with wealth and status, manipulates those around him, as seen in his harsh treatment of Catherine Morland when he discovers she’s not as wealthy as he thought. Sir Walter, on the other hand, is consumed by vanity and social rank, caring more about appearances than his daughters’ well-being. Both men are driven by their selfish desires and social ambitions. As we wrap up, we bring these two characters head-to-head, comparing their motivations and actions. General Tilney ruthlessly controls others, while Sir Walter is driven by his obsession with status and appearance. But which one is the ultimate Austen villain? Join us as we dissect their villainous traits, and with your votes, we'll decide who deserves the crown! Where can you find Ellis? Instagram: @historian_ellis Where can you find Caily? Instagram: @half_agony_half_hope Where can you find your host (Izzy)? Website: www.whattheausten.com Podcast Instagram: @whattheausten Personal Instagram: @izzy_meakin Youtube: What the Austen? Podcast