Rhetorical Analysis Of Mr. Collins Proposal

Mr. Collins uses rhetoric, or the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, when proposing the Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Mr Collins’ proposal is an ineffective piece of rhetoric. He is very direct and does not address Elizabeth's needs, which is the opposite of a proper marriage proposal. Although Mr. Collins’ proposal is ineffective, it still encompasses the three types of rhetoric: pathos, ethos, and logos. Mr. Collins also appeals to pathos, or the rhetorical appeal of evoking pity or sadness. By expressing that the marriage “will add very greatly to [his] happiness”, Mr. Collins appeals to Elizabeth’s pathos. He is convincing Elizabeth that the marriage will benefit him, but says nothing of how it will benefit her. Mr. Collins suggests that Elizabeth is destitute when he says that “one thousand pounds in the 4 per cents...is all that [she] may ever be entitled to”. However, Mr. Collins tries to seem understanding when he tells her “no ungenerous reproach shall ever pass [his] lips when [they] are married” in regards to her fortune, or lack thereof. Although Mr. Collins is appealing to pathos, he too straightforward in his proposal.

Because he is a clergyman, Mr. Collins believes he has a plausible reason to marry Elizabeth. He tells Elizabeth he thinks “it is a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances (like [himself]) to set the example of matrimony in his parish”. A proper marriage with Elizabeth would improve Mr. Collins’ credibility within the church. He is appealing to Elizabeth through ethos, but does so ineffectually. Mr. Collins mentions marriage “in easy circumstances”, meaning he believes Elizabeth is desperate. He assumes that Elizabeth will not hesitate to marry him. Mr. Collins is quite direct within his proposal, lending to why the proposal is an ineffective piece of