Comparative Analysis of Proposals in Classic Literature

The passages from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Charles Dickens’ Our Mutual Friend, two men attempt to persuade their women into marrying them though marriage proposals. While both proposals state the men’s intentions of marriage, Headstone’s proposal is more effective than Collins’ because he clearly shows his affection for her, includes benefits for her family, and takes consideration of his audience.

In the excerpt from Austen’s novel, William Collins writes his marriage proposal for Elizabeth Bennet as though he were presenting a business proposition. Collins structures his arguments much too logically for a marriage proposal, by using the words “first” and “secondly.” These transition words present his reasons in the format of

a list, which detracts from the emotional appeal of the proposal, and adds to the formality, an aspect that also reduces the appeal. Thus, ultimately transforming his proposal into a business-like deal, one that Elizabeth will not likely accept. Secondly, Collins assumes that Elizabeth will accept the proposal without hesitation and focuses more “[his] happiness” rather than hers. This reveals that he is very self-centered and does not care for Elizabeth’s feelings. Collins also does not act of out love; he states that his third reason for marrying is based on the “particular advice and recommendation” of his “patroness.” Collins third reason for marrying is not even his own, he is marrying just because someone of importance told him to. Being his “patroness” means that she is Collins’ superior, or boss. The fact that he is marrying based on advice from his boss reinforces the idea Collins’ proposal is more of a business deal rather than an act of passion. Lastly, Collins sets out rules and expectations that Elizabeth must follow if she is to be his wife. He says that her “wit and vivacity must be acceptable to [his patroness],” which reveals that Collins wants to satisfy his superiors rather than marry out of love, also showing that Collins’ holds Elizabeth to a lesser standard than his patroness. This detracts from the emotional appeal of the proposal, and takes away the informality proposals should have. If Collins is thought of as a company employer, then Elizabeth is a person whom his wants to hire, and Collins’ patroness is the boss of the company. Collins cares little for Elizabeth’s needs and desires, but wants to hire her to satisfy his boss because Elizabeth meets the job requirements.