How Does Mr Collins Use Language In Pride And Prejudice

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Recommended: Instances of satire in pride and prejudice

In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen utilizes her characters, through characterization and language, as a symbol of mockery towards the ridiculous marital standards her society upholds. Mr. Collins approaches Lizzy speaking these words, “Believe me, my dear, Miss Elizabeth, that your modesty, so far from doing you any disservice, rather adds to your other perfections.” Notice in this statement that he does not mention Lizzy’s perfection, but instead lists that she is only modest. Even though this not a bad character trait, men during this time period were not looking for women who would speak their mind, but instead looking for “modest women” to support their own attributes. Lady Catherine de Bourgh is later described having said the following

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