Character Analysis #2: Mr. Collins

Mr. Collins

Mr. Collins is a sycophant who focuses solely on himself and his own well-being.

Mr. Collins is a man who puts his reputation above all other obligations. He looks up to the wealthy Lady Catherine for advice and recommendations. His priority is to fulfill the standards of one with commendable social status and likewise, regards himself as a very respectable person. When Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth, he gives three distinct reasons for why he should marry her, which all regard to his happiness and satisfaction. After she rejects him, he believes something is wrong with her, instead of reflecting on what his faults may be: “It is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept” (82). Mr. Collins also openly expresses his relief for not marrying into the Bennet family due to the dishonor it would have caused him when he found out that Lydia and Mr. Wickham almost eloped: “This consideration leads me moreover to reflect with augmented satisfaction on a certain event of last November, for had it been otherwise, I must have been involved in all your sorrow and disgrace” (225). In other words, Mr. Collins is a follower who looks out for his own beneficence.

Mr. Collins is a leech who only benefits itself by sucking blood. When a leech is present, it satisfies solely itself, unaware of the pain it causes to its victim. Likewise, Mr. Collins is inconsiderate and watches out for himself without realizing he is insulting others.

Mr. Collins is like Sarah Palin who came across as a very artificial person and always tried to suck up to America in search for its approval.