Position:Home>Books & Authors> Mr Collins marriage propsals; Pride and prejudice?

His proposal to Lizzie tells us that he lives in a society in which money is very important, and as he tells Lizzie, because of her lack of money she may not get another offer of marriage despite her beauty and charm!.

Mr Collins himself is silly and pompous and self-satisfied, but he is not vain!. He expects Lizzie to accept him not because he thinks himself very desirable, but because he thinks she will be glad to be comfortably married to a man with a good living and prospects of future wealth when he inherits Longbourn!.

He is not mercenary either!. He proposes to Lizzie even though she hasn'tmuch money, and likewise he also proposes to Charlotte, though she doesn't have much money either!. But he easily convinces himself that he loves her, because he just wants to marry a suitable wife and be happy!. His ambitions are modest, he does not demand either money or beauty in a wife!.

He is accepted by Charlotte because she is a practical woman who wants a comfortable establishment and doesn't expect to be in love with her husband!. This would have been considered to be a very sensible attitude by most people, because in those days love was an optional extra when you married rather than a pre-requisite!. Although there were love matches, you didn't have to be in love in order to marry!. But Elizabeth is shocked because ideas about marriage were changing, and to her it seems wrong of Charlotte to marry simply for comfort rather than for love!.

Elizabeth is a romantic, but Charlotte and Mr Collins are both realists, and I think they will probably get on pretty well together, despite Elizabeth's conviction that Charlotte is bound to be unhappy!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

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Actually have to disagree with the previous answer that Mr!. Collins has lots of money and likes to be in charge!. That might be a more accurate description of Mr!. Darcy!.

While I strongly suggest you read the book (or at least watch the movie!!!) consider the following:

Mr!. Collins is a vicar who is heavily dependent on his 'patron' whom he talks of with reverence!. He proposes to Lizzie and in that proposal mentions his reasons for doing so (this is where reading book comes in) and lists a couple of these reasons as a) his 'patron' Lady Catherine De Bourgh, suggested that he should b) he is a vicar and it gives a good example to his parishioners!. He also cannot quite accept that she is turning him down, and even she in her refusal mentions that he is 'a respectable gentleman'!.

Really you need to read this part of the book - it gives you a huge amount of information on Mr!. Collins, the type of man he is, his situation in society and how he and Lizzy see that situation!. Www@QuestionHome@Com

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His marriage plans tell the reader he has lots of money, he likes to be in charge!.
The best thing to do would be to write an intro on who wrote the book, when and why!.
You should then write about the time it was written and th fact that women had to marry for money and with so many daughters the Bennett's needed to marry them off!.
You should then write about Mr Collins and his status in society!.
Then write about his marriage plans and things like that!. A paragraph at time would mean you bring in other aspects and make it a longer essay!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

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He is bound by duty and obligation because he looks for a wife amongst those he would dispossess under the guidance of Lady Catherine!. He is aware of his place- that he is higher than some as a clergyman (the Bennets ) but far below his patroness!. He is not heartless but well aware of his importance!. The constant grovelling tells you he is a social climber but the way he does it shows his lack of intelligence and awareness of what is REALLY acceptable in society (think about when he approaches Mr Darcy without introduction at the ball)!. He is a man who lacks true intelligence without realising it but wants everyone to be aware of HIM-a vain and superficial character!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

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I completely agree that you should read the book!. I will give you a further clue as to what to look for - think of the position of women in those days, why would any of the girls even consider marrying a man who is clearly quite physically repuslive- remember these are all pretty and intellegent girls; and why would their mother want them to marry a man they did not love!?!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

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