Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Mr. Collins: Funny or Nightmare???
In Austen's writing one can clearly see her hidden message disguised by the allusion of laughter and comedic situations. Mr. Collins is presented in a manner that encompass' the reader to find him comical in his relations to Elizabeth. However, in true reality; Elizabeth is dealing with the Nightmare of forced marriage to someone she does not agree with, and the struggle against the pressure of Mr. Collins, family, and society. The cushioning pad of "funny" that Austen creates allows us to precept the situation in a different light, yet still understand its immorality. Moreover, one can infer that Collins is a strategic ploy for the reader to see the hidden message of the lifestyle of the 18th century, whilst presented in a comedic manor ism to allow the reader to understand the situation in a light tone.
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I agree with most of your points and your evaluation as Collins as a nightmare and comedic character within the same shows good complexity. I really liked your point of the comedic side being a cushion to the reality of his fault and as such the commonness of the Collins character in the 1800's.
ReplyDeleteLaurence,
ReplyDeleteI was glad we read your post in class. Good one!
Dr F