Who is Mr Collins in Pride and Prejudice: The Character and His Role

Mr William Collins is a pivotal character in the classic 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. He is the distant cousin of Mr Bennet and the heir presumptive to the Longbourn estate due to the absence of Mr Bennet's sons. This makes Mr Collins a central figure in the Bennet household and plays a significant role in their family dynamics and the overall story.

The Bitter Legacy of Mr Bennet’s Entailment

Mr Bennet’s estate, Longbourn, falls under the laws of entail, a system designed to ensure the land remains in the male line of the family. When Mr Bennet dies, the estate, along with the accompanying income, would traditionally go to the closest male heir. Since Mr Bennet has no sons, he falls back on his daughters, each of whom would receive a quarter share of the inheritance. However, this places the Bennet family in a precarious situation, as it would leave Mrs. Bennet and her five unmarried daughters without a future home. Mr Bennet, recognizing the injustice of this situation, attempts to mitigate their circumstances by considering marriages for his daughters.

Mr Collins’ Initial Proposal and Plans

Mr Collins, in his wisdom, decides to choose a wife from among his cousins, the Bennet daughters. Initially, he targets Jane, the eldest, whom he deems the most pretty, despite her lack of other redeeming qualities. Recognizing the urgency and the financial implications of his situation, Mr Collins seeks a marriage that will secure his future. However, Mrs. Bennet informs him of Jane’s engagement to Mr Bingley, a wealthy and eligible bachelor who has shown significant interest in her. This news forces Mr Collins to reconsider his strategy.

Next, Mr Collins sets his sights on Elizabeth (Lizzy), another Bennet daughter, whom he finds less than favorable. Elizabeth, on her part, actively resists his advances, finding his character and intentions dubious. Mr Collins, undeterred, realizes his best prospect may lie with Mary, the third daughter, who excels in accomplishments. However, this choice falls through when Charlotte Lucas, a neighbor who is older and unattached, declares her intention to marry Mr Collins.

The Role of Mr Collins in the Novel

Mr Collins appears in the novel as a humorous and somewhat flawed character, embodying the shortcomings and moral failings that Jane Austen often critiques in her work. His relationship with his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, at Hunsford Parsonage, near Rosings Park, highlights his social climbing and his subservience to those in power. Lady Catherine, with her pride and dominance, serves as a mirror to highlight Mr Collins’s acquiescence.

Despite his close tie to the Bennet family, Mr Collins’ personality and actions bring about a series of comedic and dramatic events throughout the novel. His eventual marriage to Charlotte Lucas, despite his initial intention to marry and improve his social standing, symbolizes a pragmatic compromise for their respective situations.

Conclusion

Mr William Collins in Pride and Prejudice is a complex character who serves to illustrate the societal and familial dynamics in 19th-century England. His story highlights the themes of entailment, marriage, and social mobility that are central to the novel. Through his character, Jane Austen explores the challenges and limitations faced by women and men in the period, especially when it comes to marriage and financial security.