With the passage of Pride and Prejudice regarding Mr. Collins.
Then, in a well-written essay, analyze how Austen uses literary elements and techniques to convey Mr. Collins’s complex behavior.
Read the following excerpt carefully from Pride & Prejudice regarding Mr. Collins. Then, in a well-written essay,
analyze how Austen uses literary elements and techniques to convey Mr. Collins’s complex behavior.
During dinner, Mr. Bennet scarcely spoke at all; but when the servants were withdrawn, he thought it time to have some
conversation with his guest, and therefore started a subject in which he expected him to shine, by observing that he seemed very
fortunate in his patroness. Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s attention to his wishes, and consideration for his comfort, appeared very
remarkable. Mr. Bennet could not have chosen better. Mr. Collins was eloquent in her praise. The subject elevated him to more
than usual solemnity of manner, and with a most important aspect he protested that “he had never in his life witnessed such
behaviour in a person of rank—such affability and condescension, as he had himself experienced from Lady Catherine. She had
been graciously pleased to approve of both of the discourses which he had already had the honour of preaching before her. She
had also asked him twice to dine at Rosings, and had sent for him only the Saturday before, to make up her pool of quadrille in
the evening. Lady Catherine was reckoned proud by many people he knew, but he had never seen anything but affability in her.
She had always spoken to him as she would to any other gentleman; she made not the smallest objection to his joining in the
society of the neighbourhood nor to his leaving the parish occasionally for a week or two, to visit his relations. She had even
condescended to advise him to marry as soon as he could, provided he chose with discretion; and had once paid him a visit in
his humble parsonage, where she had perfectly approved all the alterations he had been making, and had even vouchsafed to
suggest some herself—some shelves in the closet up stairs.”
“That is all very proper and civil, I am sure,” said Mrs. Bennet, “and I dare say she is a very agreeable woman. It is a
pity that great ladies in general are not more like her. Does she live near you, sir?”
“The garden in which stands my humble abode is separated only by a lane from Rosings Park, her ladyship’s
residence.”
“I think you said she was a widow, sir? Has she any family?”
“She has only one daughter, the heiress of Rosings, and of very extensive property.”
“Ah!” said Mrs. Bennet, shaking her head, “then she is better off than many girls. And what sort of young lady is she?
Is she handsome?”
“She is a most charming young lady indeed. Lady Catherine herself says that, in point of true beauty, Miss de Bourgh is
far superior to the handsomest of her sex, because there is that in her features which marks the young lady of distinguished
birth. She is unfortunately of a sickly constitution, which has prevented her from making that progress in many
accomplishments which she could not have otherwise failed of, as I am informed by the lady who superintended her education,
and who still resides with them. But she is perfectly amiable, and often condescends to drive by my humble abode in her little
phaeton and ponies.”
“Has she been presented? I do not remember her name among the ladies at court.”
“Her indifferent state of health unhappily prevents her being in town; and by that means, as I told Lady Catherine one
day, has deprived the British court of its brightest ornament. Her ladyship seemed pleased with the idea; and you may imagine
that I am happy on every occasion to offer those little delicate compliments which are always acceptable to ladies. I have more
than once observed to Lady Catherine, that her charming daughter seemed born to be a duchess, and that the most elevated rank,
instead of giving her consequence, would be adorned by her. These are the kind of little things which please her ladyship, and it
is a sort of attention which I conceive myself peculiarly bound to pay.”
“You judge very properly,” said Mr. Bennet, “and it is happy for you that you possess the talent of flattering with
delicacy. May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are the result of previous
study?”
“They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time, and though I sometimes amuse myself with suggesting and
arranging such little elegant compliments as may be adapted to ordinary occasions, I always wish to give them as unstudied an
air as possible.”
Mr. Bennet’s expectations were fully answered. His cousin was as absurd as he had hoped, and he listened to him with
the keenest enjoyment, maintaining at the same time the most resolute composure of countenance, and, except in an occasional
glance at Elizabeth, requiring no partner in his pleasure.