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Contrast and compare the two marriage proposals made to Elizabeth Bennet in the novel 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austin: Mr Collins' proposal to Elizabeth and Darcy's proposal to Elizabeth

Decent Essays

Hannah Gethin

Contrast and compare the two marriage proposals made to Elizabeth Bennet in the novel: Mr Collins ' proposal to Elizabeth and Darcy 's proposal to Elizabeth

Jane Austen lived in a mercenary world and this is reflected in her novel. In "Pride and Prejudice" no secret is made of the need to marry for money. Jane Austen reflects different types of marriage in her novel. There is mercenary marriage, brought about solely for economic reasons. Such would have been the marriage between Mr Collins and Elizabeth. Mr Collins ' proposal was fuelled by his own economic motives, desire to please the aristocratic Lady Catherine and by Mrs Bennet 's economic fears that Elizabeth will inherit little money when her father dies: not real …show more content…

Not how violently he respects and admires her. Darcy 's proposal is a complete contrast in its emotional conflict. The whole proposal is much more dynamic and there are clearly strong emotions and feelings involved. Darcy immediately tells Elizabeth he loves her. Wards are used such as, 'and agitated manner, ' 'the color rose, ' 'became pale with anger, ' 'painfully greater, ' these clearly demonstrate dynamic, strong feelings. They illustrate the greater depth of feeling felt throughout Darcy 's proposal than in that of Mr Collins '.

Mr Collins ' proposal was mainly fueled by the great convenience in Elizabeth marrying Mr Collins. However Darcy 's proposal is very far from convenient. Although technically in the same class, Darcy is viewed to be much above Elizabeth in society and a marriage between them would not be viewed as idea. Mr Collins is following the rules in his proposal; talking to Mrs Bennet, saying what he is supposed to and attempting to please Lady Catherine. In contrast Darcy is compelled by his feelings to break the rules, by not doing what society expects of him. Mr Collins ' proposal was greatly fueled by Lady Catherine and his desire to improve his standing in society. However Darcy is fueled by his feelings to go against society and potentially decrease his social standing. Darcy 's true love for Elizabeth overcomes all the sociable reasons for not marrying E. Darcy is a

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