A Comprehensive Analysis of Literary Protagonists - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Mr. Collins - “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen

A Thorough Character Analysis of Mr. Collins in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"

Determine the Type of Character

In Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," Mr. Collins falls into the category of static characters. In terms of his fundamental character and ideas, Mr. Collins doesn't really alter throughout the book. Even when he meets different people and goes through diverse experiences, his core beliefs and traits never change.

Examine the Character's Position in the Narrative

Mr. Collins is one of the story's supporting characters. Despite not being the protagonist or antagonist, he is vital to the way the plot progresses. Mr. Collins's entrance to the Bennet household, as the heir to the Bennet family estate Longbourn, sets off a series of events that profoundly affect the lives of the key characters, especially Elizabeth Bennet.

Look Into the Past of the Character

Mr. Collins's character has been greatly influenced by his past. Being Mr. Bennet's cousin and Longbourn's heir, he enjoys a certain social status. But his past also exposes his obedient disposition and intense desire to win over people in positions of power. Lady Catherine de Bourgh's impact on Mr. Collins's schooling reinforces his propensity to accept social conventions without question.

Examine Personality Traits of the Character

Mr. Collins is typified by his great self-importance, sycophantic demeanor, and obsequiousness. His lack of independent thought and steadfast adherence to societal norms characterize his personality. Among Mr. Collins's good qualities are his sense of duty, his loyalty to Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and his sincere desire to carry out his perceived obligations.

On the other side, the reader experiences moments of amusement and annoyance due to Mr. Collins's extreme pride, disdain towards others, and lack of self-awareness. His conceit and his propensity to evaluate others according to social norms help to create the novel's scathing picture of the era's social structure.

Assess the Character's Interactions

Understanding Mr. Collins's place in the narrative depends on knowing how he interacts with the other characters. His first offer to Elizabeth Bennet, which she declines, demonstrates how his ideals and hers are different. His second marriage to Charlotte Lucas illustrates his pragmatic view of marriage as a social duty rather than a question of intimacy.

Possibly the most important is his relationship with Lady Catherine de Bourgh. In addition to influencing his choices, Mr. Collins's unwavering devotion to Lady Catherine offers comedic relief as his obnoxious behavior gets progressively out of control. This relationship also demonstrates how Mr. Collins's decisions are influenced by society expectations.

Examine the Behavior of the Character

Mr. Collins adheres to social conventions and acts out of a desire for praise from others. His choice to pop the question to Elizabeth Bennet in spite of her obvious lack of enthusiasm is evidence of his poor social sense and incorrect views on marriage. His second marriage, to Charlotte Lucas, which took place right after Elizabeth's rejection, emphasizes his practical approach to marriage.

Mr. Collins continuously takes decisions in the book that are in line with what he believes to be socially acceptable, even when these choices appear ridiculous or humorous to other people. His acts offer a commentary on the social pressures prevalent at the time as well as the results of mindlessly following social norms.

Determine the Conflicts the Character Faces

Mr. Collins is dealing with both external and internal issues. He struggles inside with his need for social acceptance and his responsibilities as Longbourn's heir. Characters like as Elizabeth Bennet oppose him externally by contesting his opinions and rejecting his plan. These confrontations aid in the novel's examination of personal autonomy and society expectations.

Evaluate Character Development or Shift

Mr. Collins interacts with a variety of personalities and goes through certain events, but his core values and personality never alter. Throughout the book, he doesn't go through any major changes or growth. His character stagnation is a result of his lack of self-awareness and reluctance to personal growth.

Provide Proof to Back Up Your Analysis

The interpretation of Mr. Collins's character is supported by evidence found within the text. For example, his proposal to Elizabeth is a crucial sequence that demonstrates his inability to comprehend her feelings and his perseverance in the face of her blatant rejection. His letters and interactions with other characters also shed light on his motivations and mental processes.

Determine the Significance of the Character

Mr. Collins's importance stems from his role in the novel's parody of the expectations and social mores of the day. Jane Austen criticizes the strict social order, the need to fit in, and the fallout from putting society acceptance ahead of one's own moral principles through his character. In "Pride and Prejudice," Mr. Collins plays a humorous character whose deeds and views expose the ridiculousness of the social institutions. Mr. Collins is not a particularly interesting character, but he is essential to the development of the novel's themes and satirical tone.