Wednesday, September 29, 2010
D.W. Harding--Is Collins funny or a nightmare?
Although Harding finds Mr. Collins's caricature funny and entertaining, I agree more with Elizabeth Bennet in that he is a nightmare. I realize, as does Harding, that Austen meant to make fun of the people who resembled Mr. Collins in her society, but he, along with Mrs. Bennet, just becomes irritating and ridiculous. Making Mr. Collins so unlikeable actually does accomplish Austen's goal of mocking the people in real society, but the character does not qualify as comedic. Instead, Mr. Collins serves as an unfriendly reminder of those in society one would prefer to avoid.
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I agree with you on the fact that Mr. Collins is very ridiculous and unfriendly, but at times Mr. Collins is extremely comical. Yes, he is a very frustrating character and makes many ridiculous comments to Elizabeth and the other characters in the novel, but these comments are so frustrating that they become hilarious. His consistency, as well, really contributes to the comedy of his character. I encourage you to see the hilarity in his character, and laugh at the stupidity of his actions.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Samantha said - Though Mr. Collins does come off as an frustrating and exaggerated stereotype, I really do think he comes off as a comical character. Needless to say, however, Mr. Collins really does prove himself to be an irritating reminder of the follies of the time, but in my opinion, his tendencies to aggrandize himself serve as a comically stark contrast to his subservient character.
ReplyDeleteI agree with a part of everyone's opinion. I agreen the situation Mr. Collins puts Elizabeth in with his proposal is a nightmare because it just proves how important financial status is in socity. However, I think in the context of the novel, he is a comedic character because Jane Austen depicts him in that way. Jane Austen makes a nightmare situation into a comedic one.
ReplyDeleteI agree somewhat with you, Sara, that Collins does have nightmarish qualities; however, you have to also consider the time period in which he's from. Societal norms pressure Collins to get married as soon as possible. Him and Mrs. Bennet are firm believers of the opening line from "Pride and Prejudice" stating that every "single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." Collins switches into panic mode when he realizes he should be searching for his future wife.
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