Mr Collins Pride And Prejudice Rationale Analysis

In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Mr. Collins’ marriage proposal to Elizabeth Bennet is instigated by society’s impetus for him to do so. Irony and satire are weaved within the proposal, ridiculing the litany of reasons given of why such an action is prompted because superficial reasons are presented as the basis of Mr. Collins’ rationale. Austen satirizes Mr. Collins’ approach of his proposal to Elizabeth. He dons on a pompous attitude as he immediately commences by declaring “[his] reasons for marrying are” such and such. He depicts himself like a businessman bearing his contract that stipulates all his conditions concerning his intended marriage to Elizabeth. His first reason is “to set the example of matrimony in his parish.” With this, he fosters the idea that Elizabeth is merely a means to an end, deeming her as an object to compliment him in his endeavors regarding his parish, as well as society, and to aid him in his attempt to elevate himself in the public’s perception of him. Mr. Collins then proceeds to state the second reason, which is him being “convinced [she] will add very greatly to [his] happiness.” The aforementioned statement further reinforces the idea that Mr. Collins’ justifications is tailored to specifically to his liking and disregards Elizabeth’s feelings on a matter that would greatly impact her future as an

Collins’ proposal engenders Elizabeth’s character development. Readers witness Elizabeth’s opposition to the cultural norm; she is unwilling to adhere to the values other women in the era cling to and deem as gospel. In this passage, Elizabeth openly defies the idea of following society’s norms. She stands her ground and will marry for love only and not for financial securities or for an elevation of her status. She is not willing to simply be seen as an extension of another, such as being the wife of a clergy and simply making him look more favorable in public. Elizabeth will not waver in her