Another interesting paper I read by Kenneth Graham talks of General Tilney embarking on an almost military-like campaign to win Catherine for Henry.

Perceiving the attraction between Henry and Catherine, he does reconnaissance, learning of her connection to the Allens; he gathers intelligence interrogating John Thorpe (the singularly UNintelligent); and finishes his recon by inviting Catherine for dinner for observation.

He then turns to the execution of his mission in three phases:

1. Gives order to his support troops - ordering Henry to woo her and Eleanor to draw her into his ambush by inviting her to Northanger Abbey.
   
2. Furthers intimacy by putting Henry and Catherine into the same curricle.
   
3. He arranges to take her to Woodston, displaying his wealth, hinting at new china, etc.

Graham ends this by stating: The campaign results in victory! Catherine is won! LOL!

Of course, she was won long before he began his campaign, all of this was unnecessary. But I found the idea that the General would go about procuring an heiress for his son as a military action very amusing - he just can't separate his military life from his home life.