Mr. Collin's Absurd Proposal in Austen's Pride and Prejudice

We see an example of Austen’s humor in Mr. Collin’s bizarre marriage proposal to Elizabeth. The narrator of the story hints at the absurdity that is unfolding: “The idea of Mr. Collins, with all his solemn composure, being run away with by his feelings, made Elizabeth so near laughing that she could not use the short pause he allowed in any attempt to stop him farther, and he continued” (72). Elizabeth makes it clear to Collins that she is not interested in his marriage proposal, but Collins, brimming with pomposity, cannot bring himself to believe that Elizabeth means what she says. He flatters himself into believing that no woman in her right mind could turn down such a fine catch. Hubris convinces Collins that Elizabeth is only playing hard to get. 

The officious Mr. Collins shows no consideration for Elizabeth’s feelings or her thoughts on the matter. His solemnity amuses her. There is no hint of passion or love in the discourse. Indeed, it is carried out with the decorum of a business matter, like closing a deal on a piece of real estate. The reader must conclude that it is Collin’s pride that keeps him in a delusional state of mind. The kicker occurs when Collins speaks of “the violence of my affection” (73). Elizabeth’s rebuke has no more effect on Collins than if she were speaking to a stone wall. In essence, Elizabeth sees Collins as an idiot, and rightly so. A few days later he proposes to another woman and his offer is accepted!