P&P Mini-Essay Analysis

Scott Pero
AP English Language 11
September 28, 2009
Pride and Prejudice Analysis

Throughout Mr. Collins’ proposal to Elizabeth, there are multiple errors that arise, rendering the appeal ineffective. Mr. Collins’ proposal is ineffective because it is built solely upon reason, he is condescending towards his audience, and he uses the wrong diction in certain areas of it.

The first area that Mr. Collins approaches is the reasons as to why he should marry Elizabeth. This is the wrong order in which to organize a speech. First, Collins should have established his character, or why he should be listened to. Instead of character, the logic he gives is not at all the kind to use when proposing to a woman: “‘My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in…to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness, and thirdly…that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honor of calling patroness’” (Jane Austen). His reasons for marrying are because He should set an example for others, he believes it will make him happy, and his relative thought he should. You should marry someone because you love them and want to be with them, not reasons like the ones Collins gave.

Collins frequently talks down to Elizabeth. Throughout most of the speech, it is because she is a woman: “‘It is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly man to accept…and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second or third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said, and shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long’” (Austen). Elizabeth would like nothing more than to be rid of Mr. Collins and never marry him. Collins says it is because she is a woman and they like to toy with men’s hearts before they give in. This type of male sexism is a fault of Collins. Collins should have fit his words to his audience, meaning he shouldn’t have belittled the female gender when talking to a woman.

Proper word choice is something that is lost on Collins. Throughout the excerpt, he uses words that fit neither the situation nor the meaning he wishes to convey: “‘And you may be certain that when I have the honor of seeing her again I shall speak in the highest terms of your modesty, economy, and other amiable qualities’” (Austen). His diction is far too proper for a marriage proposal. While proposing does warrant a certain quota of formality, his words convey barely any emotion. He is basically saying how beneficial she would be as a wife and how perfectly compatible she would be with him, but nothing about how he loves her. No one wants to hear the specifics and technicalities of a relationship; they only want to know that the other person feels the same as they do. These poor choices in vocabulary are among a plethora of mistakes that culminate in Mr. Collins’ ultimate loss.