So much of the humor in these early chapters revolves around the narrator and her negative voice when describing the characters: Catherine was not a heroine; she was not beautiful; there were no heroes in the area, no interesting foundlings; Mrs Morland does not drown in her tears at Catherine's departure; Catherine was not beset by robbers on the journey to Bath; Mrs Allen has no sense; the men at the first assembly do not call Catherine "a divinity", etc. All of this implying that it should be just the opposite, of course. ;-)

I found it fascinating then, that when Henry Tilney is introduced, there is not a single negative to describe him! He is tall, has a pleasing countenance, good address, is intellegent, with lively eyes! This great long list of what everyone is not followed by a long list of what Henry Tilney is! Was JA as enamored of him as we are? ;-)