Elizabeth Bennet Proposal Essay

Elizabeth Bennet has slightly unusual circumstances, in that she has received not one, not two, but three marriage proposals within a year's time. She refused both of the first two. There were obviously problems with both since she rejected them. But maybe Elizabeth has higher expectations for a husband than the socially acceptable norm in those days. Which proposal was more appropriate? Which was more acceptable in that day and age? Was she right to turn down both?
In the very first proposal, made by an idiot named Mr. Collins, it makes one wonder why girls were expected to accept proposals simply because of class, status, and income. Mr. Collins lists three reasons that he wishes to marry. Notice, he simply begins to list the reasons he wants

Collins’ proposal shows little to no emotional attachment. He does not care about Elizabeth, but simply about having a wife; and, more importantly, one of the Bennet sisters. Being Mr. Bennet’s nephew, and the Bennets having no sons, Mr. Collins is next to inherit the estate. So he was formerly resolved to take a wife from the Bennet family. The single compliment he pays to Elizabeth is that he singled her out from her sisters in choosing which one to marry. It is obvious that he thinks that Elizabeth will consent to the arrangement, because logically-- financially and socially--it makes sense. When she declines his offer, he brushes off her refusal and blithely continues in his misguided opinion that she must obviously refuse him the first time but absolutely intends to accept the second. Mr. Darcy appears to insult Lizzy in the beginning of his proposal, speaking of inferiority and family constraints but expressing that his love for her was not easily smothered and he had not been able to set aside his feelings. Lizzy immediately takes offense at this. If you consider the situation, Mr. Darcy’s proposal is actually complimentary. He loves her, and still wants to marry her despite every circumstance that would advise otherwise. But all Lizzy knows him for is a selfish, arrogant man, and she points out that his affections have been bestowed quite unwillingly. When proposing to a girl, leave out any statements that might be interpreted as anything besides complete