Examples Of Stereotypes In Charlotte

The human race, as some people argue, are quite strange beings. Whether it is because the predisposed desire to fit into a specific group, or just a simple personality quirk. Because of the inclination that people categorize themselves and others into specific groups where they belong, stereotypes are the most inevitable outcome. Satire is defined as a literary device, and is used to make fun of these often harmful and degrading stereotypes in society by use of extreme exaggeration to promote reformation of the society. It tries to sarcastically point out these flaws by making characters take on one of the highly exaggerated stereotypes of the time period. Many modern day readers often find themselves calling these stereotyped characters ridiculous.

Collins, the Bennet family’s cousin who will own their house due to entailment, is one of the more prominent satirical figures in the novel. He represents the stereotype of a man only wanting to marry for wealth, status, and his own benefit. When choosing a future bride, it did not matter to him who it was is, as evident when he quickly switches his focus to Charlotte when Elizabeth rejects his marriage proposal. This event makes it clear that he has no real attachment or regard for his future wife and is just marrying to gain more money from a dowry, no matter how small it may be. Also, after marrying Charlotte, Elizabeth believes his love towards Charlotte “[..] must be imaginary” because they tend to be happier when they are apart from each other (82). Through marriage, Mr. Collins will also gain a lot of power and status with his parish and the society at large. The only thing he cares about is how the society will see him and how he fits into the grand picture. While proposing to Elizabeth, one of the reasons he gives about why he is proposing is because “[…] every clergyman in easy circumstances […]” should have a wife, because it would make him look better and more respectable as a person (71). This again highlights the fact that he only cares about himself and that the woman he chooses to marry is dispensable. He only wants to look good to the community and if getting married does the trick even if he truly does not love the girl, that is what he is going to do. Finally, he wants to get married for not only the benefit of himself, but his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Although he tells Elizabeth marrying “[…] will add greatly to [his] happiness […]”, behind that lies a very demanding Lady Catherine (71). Since she is providing for basically all that Mr. Collins has, he will do whatever it takes to please her, and whatever she says goes without question. So, to no surprise, when Lady Catherine tells him to get a wife, he is to get a wife without