Pride and Prejudice excerpt analysis

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Michael Rossi
September 28, 2009
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition
Analyze Mr. Collins proposal looking for examples of the appeals that he uses. Explain clearly why his appeals are ineffective and how he could have improved his proposal. I'd like you to have a one sentence thesis as your introduction, followed by at least two body paragraphs citing examples from the text. Focus on his diction and syntax in analyzing the appeals. Cite the text. The author is Jane Austen, and don't bother about page numbers.

Throughout the excerpt Mr. Collins verbalizes three types of crass appeal to win the heart of Elizabeth: Logic (logos), Pathos (emotional), and Ethos (character).
The first jab at romantic appeal Mr. Collins employs is one of logic. In the vast majority of speech and forms of literature, logic is the basis on which arguments are founded and support character and emotional appeal. Mr. Collins attempts to make Elizabeth understand the reasoning for his desire to marry her. His explanation exudes an unforgivable tone of condescension and only works against him: “”My reasons for marrying are, first that I think it a right for every clergyman in easy circumstances (like myself) to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness; and thirdly—which perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier, that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honor of calling patroness’” (Austin). This type of speech immediately breaks any potential positive reception because Mr. Collins’ wishes to wed are based on selfishness and the approval of a friend whose opinion matters more to Mr. Collins than that of the woman he wishes to marry. Mr. Collins logic shows that he will put himself before his wife and does not know how to treat a woman or even acknowledge the fact that his entire argument’s goal should be Elizabeth’s answer.
Based off a unique set of logic Mr. Collins attempts to change Elizabeth’s utter rejection by referencing characteristic points that only emphasize his arrogance and inability to understand
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a member of the opposite sex. Mr. Collins asserts his said qualities when he makes crude remarks upon the stern rejection Elizabeth had given him: “because I know it to be the establish custom of your sex to reject a man on the first application, and perhaps you have even now said as much to encourage my suit as would be consistent with the delicacy of the female character” (Austin). Not only does the argument lose steam for its insensitivity but it also defeats the purpose of Mr. Collins attempting to convince Elizabeth of anything. If her answer truly does not matter then why should he waste his time asking her?
Lastly Mr. Collins’ attempt at an emotional appeal was an insensitive faux pas. Mr. Collins states that he will open up to Elizabeth about his affection only to not follow through: “And now nothing remains for me but to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affection” (Austen). This, violent affection, is never displayed. In its stead Collins speaks coldly of fortune and inheritance emphasizing his absent mindedness and inability to elaborate on something he so boldly declared he would.