Is Collins funny or is he a nightmare?
Mr. Collins' character and personality is exaggerated throughout the novel. Mr. Collins' immature and pompous behavior is pushed to such an extent that he comes off as an annoying nightmare. Although at times he serves as a comical character -- such as the time he sent a letter to the Bennett's about his appearance at the house the following day -- Mr. Collins continues to humiliate himself throughout the novel through acts and comments of stupidity and carelessness. Also, Austen intentionally over exaggerates Mr. Collins' character in order to cover up the slight satires that the main characters shed. Thus, because Mr. Collins is so exaggerated as a satirical character, the reader becomes oblivious to the hidden satires that the normal characters (such as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth) must overcome. Therefore, Austen's intentions were not for Collins to be a funny, comical character, but rather a supercilious and arrogant character that stands out more than the others.
I do think that Jane Austen intended for people to giggle at Mr. Collins misfortunes but your point about his comparably outrageous caricature covering up the more important satires of Elizabeth and Darcy is well made. I like this paragraph.
ReplyDeleteI think your statements are correct and I don't think that they are too harsh at all, as some might.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly properly addressed the prompt and also appreciated your inclusion of specific examples of characters. However, I wish you had included more about your examples. I think that you could have explored the characters your brought up more in depth. I agree with your conclusion but would have liked to see more analysis.
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