Notes on Mr Collins

MR COLLINS: 

·      Patronizing

o   During his proposal to Elizabeth 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)

à He is describing why he cannot take Elizabeth’s refusal seriously because he cannot believe that Lizzy would not take this opportunity because she cannot expect to marry well due to her lack of wealth and connections

o   Mr Collin’s writes to come and visit in preparation for taking over the Bennet’s estate, a very touchy topic for the Bennets, but signs the letter ‘your well-wisher and friend.’ (p. 62)

·      Socially inept and insensitive

o   Mr Collins has barely exchanged pleasantries before has bagan talking of marriage to one of the Bennet daughters. As a guest and the principle reason why the Bennet daughters must marry well, his choice of conversation is very insensitive as such a topic is the cause of much grief for the Bennet family

o   However, we are positioned to believe that he is unaware of his socially unacceptable behavior

o   He compliments Mrs Bennet on the meal, asking which member of the family cooked it, inferring unknowingly that the Bennets are not in a financial position to employ a cook.

à He believes he is paying a compliment, but is actually insulting Mrs Bennet

‘Mr Collins to be sure was neither sensible nor agreeable; his society was irksome.’ (p.120) – Narrative voice

à Occurs when charlotte was convincing herself as to why she accepted his proposal

·      False Modesty and arrogant/self important – his self-regarding nature makes a mockery of his position as a minister.

à Ministers are expected to be humble men of honesty who seek to do good because it is the right thing to do, however Collin’s motives for his role as minister are revealed when he describes himself as ‘distinguished’ and ‘highly commendable’ (p.62)

à ‘I flatter myself that my present overtures of good-will are highly commendable.’ (p.62)

à This quote is taken from the letter Mr Collins writes to the Bennet family before he comes to visit them for the first time.

à Austen uses Collins to satirize the type of clergyman who grovels before the aristocrats on whim his livelihood depends. Instead of worshipping God, Collins is preoccupied with social status and wealth

à ‘My situation in life, my connections with the family of de Bourgh, and my relationship to your own are circumstances highly in my favour.’ (p.106)

àThis quote occurs soon after Elizabeth refuses Mr Collin’s proposal, and it is the voice of Mr Collins

·      POSITIONING TECHNIQUES – NARRATIVE VOICE, IRONY, CHARACTERISATION