Pride and Prejudice Chapters 19-23
The next day, Mr. Collins makes a bumbling and officious marriage proposal to Elizabeth. He argues his case, by pointing out her low financial status and value, and her general unworthiness, compared to his own sense of great worthiness. Elizabeth is offended and amused by his awkward and insensitive tactics, and hastily declines the marriage offer. Not easily dissuaded, Mr. Collins assumes that Elizabeth is simply pretending to be uninterested, and playing hard to get.
Mrs. Bennet is upset that Elizabeth has declined the proposal, as she firmly believes that the marriage should occur. She expresses anger towards Elizabeth, even saying that if Elizabeth does not accept the offer, that she will never see Elizabeth again. However, Mr. Bennet says that if Elizabeth DID marry him, that he would never wish to see her again.
Eventually, Mr. Collins realizes that his pursuit of Elizabeth is a futile endeavor, so he retracts the proposal.
Charlotte, however, upon learning of Elizabeth’s refusal, takes greater notice of Mr. Collins herself. She spends time with him, and in mere days, Mr. Collins proposes to Charlotte. She accepts.
This upsets Mrs. Bennet, and stuns Elizabeth. Knowing Charlotte very well, she is very aware that the marriage has nothing to do with love, but is only one of convenience and security. She fears for her friend’s long-term happiness, and reflects upon her own belief that marriage should be based upon love.
Mr. Bingley and his party take a short trip to London, but when a letter arrives from Caroline saying that they will be staying much longer than originally planned, Jane is distressed. The letter also mentions that the group has been spending time with Georgiana Darcy (Mr. Darcy’s younger sister), and that she hopes for and anticipates that Mr. Bingley will marry Georgiana. Jane is distressed, but is grateful to Caroline for sharing the news.
However, Elizabeth suspects that the “news” is simply a ploy by Mr. Darcy's and Mr. Bingley’s sisters to prevent Jane and Mr. Bingley from developing a relationship.
Analysis:
Elizabeth rejects Mr. Collins’ marriage proposal, but his search for a wife is undeterred. He accepts her rejection with little heartache, and shortly afterward asks Charlotte to marry him. She accepts, but Elizabeth is disturbed. Elizabeth loves her friend, and wishes for her happiness, but Elizabeth’s opinion is that this marriage lacks love, and is little more that a business arrangement.
