Pride and Prejudice - Mr Collins

How important a character is Mr Collins? Write a paragraph in response, clearly arguing your point of view. In developing your thesis, include a discussion of the way the reader is positioned to respond to him and the importance of this for dealing with at least one of the ideas underpinning the novel. Consider the work we have done in class on satire and irony as you plan your response.

In Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice, the character of Mr Collins is very important as he representative of society’s view on love and marriage, however through the use of satire and irony Austen positions readers to respond negatively to Collins causing readers to disregard his opinions on love and marriage, and rather admire those of Elizabeth. Throughout the novel, Mr Collins is portrayed as insensitive and arrogant, particularly through his proposal to Elizabeth.  During his proposal he states ‘it is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made you. Your portion is unhappily so small that it will in all likelihood undo the effects of your loveliness and amiable qualifications’ (p.106). Through this comment Collins argues that he cannot take Elizabeth’s refusal seriously because he cannot believe that Elizabeth would not take this opportunity of marriage because she cannot expect to marry well due to her lack of wealth and connections. Such a comment appears as patronizing and insensitive to readers, and thus readers are positioned to respond negatively to the idea that marriage should be based on wealth and social connections, rather than love. Moreover, readers are further positioned to dislike Mr Collins as his self-regarding nature makes a mockery of his position as a minister. It is commonly expected of a minister to be a humble man of honesty, however Mr Collins’s motives for his role as minister are far from the aforementioned. His true motives are revealed when he describes himself as ‘distinguished’ and highly commendable’ (p.62). Austen uses Mr Collins to satirize the type of clergyman who grovels before the aristocrats on whom his livelihood depends. Thus, the reader is exposed to his sycophancy and his betrayal of his calling as a minister through the use of irony and satire. This portrayal of Mr Collins is crucial in allowing readers to understand society’s expectations regarding love and marriage, as well as positioning readers to disregard Collins’s attitudes and rather agree with those of Elizabeth.