Jane Austen author of the novel Pride and Prejudice provokes readers to ponder marriage. She incorporates two proposals that represent conflicting motives. She first uses Mr. Collins character to express the social expectation held by society to marry. His character reveals the impact society has on the decisions we make. While on the other hand, Mr. Darcy’s character emphasizes falling in love and establishing a true connection. Mr Collins uses the rule of three and ethos to emphasis his proposal because marriage is a social obligation. Whereas, Mr. Darcy uses diction and pathos because he truly loves Elizabeth.
Mr. Collins begins his proposal by acknowledging his reasons for marrying. He is trying to convey marriage as a social obligation that has the power to bring happiness into his life. He not only refers to his personal opinion on marriage, but
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Collins uses ethos to support the obligation he feels towards marriage. He incorporates several examples that appeal to the ethical and social reasons for marrying. In his opening statement he states, “ I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances to set the example of matrimony in his parish.” He is trying to convince Elizabeth that she needs to marry him in order to meet the social standards set by their society. His attitude reflects the lack of compassion he has for Elizabeth. It is clear that Mr. Collins is marrying solely because it is the right thing to do.
In addition to ethos, Mr. Collins utilizes the rule of three in order to establish his desire for marriage. He numerically states his three reasons for pursuing Elizabeth. “My reasons for marrying are, first[...] Secondly, [...]; and thirdly.” Expressing three reasons for marriage was intended to strengthen Mr. Collins proposal. However, Elizabeth found no value in any of the justifications collins illustrated. Therefore, the rule of three was an ineffective technique that hindered Mr. Collins