Mr Collins Marriage Proposal

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” (Austen #1-2). Marriage is an agreement between two people to be joined together for eternity to passionately support and love each other. However, as shown in two proposals from the novels, Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen with Mr. Collins’ proposal along with Our Mutual Friend, by Charles Dickens and Mr. Headstone’s marriage proposal, there can always be added twists and turns to each marriage proposal. The proposal of Mr. Headstone is more rhetorically effective than Mr. Collins’ proposal, due to Mr. Headstone’s display of passionate emotion with minor desperation and pushiness for Lizzie Hexam; on the other hand,

Collins’ marriage proposal to his cousin, Elizabeth Bennet in the book, Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Collins satisfies the needs of his patroness and himself to persuade Elizabeth into marrying him. Mr. Collins’ patroness, which Mr. Collins respects greatly and depends on for financial support suggests that he marries a woman of exceptional character. Mr. Collins proposes to marry Elizabeth because Mr. Collins feels that Elizabeth will impress his patroness “… my fair cousin…her manners beyond anything I can describe…” Mr. Collins suggests that his patroness, will be impressed by Elizabeth’s manners alone. However, Elizabeth can impress Mr. Collins’ patroness further because Elizabeth is “able to make a small income go a good way”, is a “gentlewoman”, and can impress a “very noble lady” (Mr. Collins’ patroness). Although there are strengths to Mr. Collins’ marriage proposal, his weaknesses are more prevalent. It is important to note that Mr. Collins appeals to his personal satisfaction, by stating, “It will add very greatly to my happiness.” Mr. Collins utterly disregards Elizabeth’s feelings, which makes her feel that his proposal is not sincere. In addition, Mr. Collins shows no true emotion for his cousin, and structures his proposal as a justification: “My reasons for marrying are…Secondly…and thirdly…” Not once does Mr. Collins mention any affectionate emotion he has for his cousin, but instead, shows emotion towards his patroness and describes her

Collins’ marriage proposal most likely will be less effective in yielding a positive result than Mr. Headstone’s marriage proposal due to Mr. Collins’ lack of respect for Elizabeth Bennet his cousin, while Mr. Headstone admires Lizzie Hexam substantially. Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth bennet in such a manner that Mr. Collins appears selfish and is appealing to another woman. On the other hand, Mr. Headstone respects Lizzie and proposes to her in a very affectionate manner. Mr. Collins’ method is a poor example of a proposal, while Mr. Headstone’s is a great example of one. However, both men end up getting rejected, which shows that no matter how you propose, the end result is always to be