Pride and Prejudice Class 9 English 4.3.4 Solution

Previous text

Mr. Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little
assisted by education or society; the greatest part of his life having been spent under
the guidance of an illiterate and miserly father; and though he belonged to one of the
universities, he had merely kept the necessary terms, without forming at it any useful
acquaintance. The subjection in which his father had brought him up had given him
originally great humility of manner; but it was now a good deal counteracted by the
self-conceit of a weak head, living in retirement, and the consequential feelings of
early and unexpected prosperity. A fortunate chance had recommended him to Lady
Catherine de Bourgh when the living of Hunsford was vacant; and the respect which he
felt for her high rank, and his veneration for her as his patroness, mingling with a very
good opinion of himself, of his authority as a clergyman, and his right as a rector made
him altogether a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility.
[excerpt from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen]

 

Main Text

How the author’s use of tones are reflected in the text
The author’s attitude and feelings towards Mr. Collins are characterised by a mixture of irony, criticism, and perhaps a touch of amusement. The author uses language that conveys a negative and mocking perspective on Mr. Collins’ character,
upbringing, and education. Phrases such as “not a sensible man,” “deficiency of
nature,” “illiterate and miserly father,” and “self-conceit of a weak head” highlight
how the author wanted to portray Mr. Collins. The portrayal of Mr. Collins’ humility is initially countered by self-conceit, and his association with Lady Catherine de
Bourgh is shown with irony. While the text remains primarily a mockery, there’s an
underlying layer of amusement in the portrayal of Mr. Collins’.

 

Answer the following questions

a) What specific words or phrases did the author use to describe the character
of Mr. Collins?
b) How did the author use those words or phrases to describe Mr. Collins’
character?
c) How does the author’s language affect your idea of Mr. Collins’ character?
d) What emotions did you experience while reading the text? Was it positive,
negative, neutral, or sarcastic?
e) Did the tone of the text change at any point? If yes, describe it.

 

Answer 

 

a) The author used specific words and phrases such as "not a sensible man," "deficiency of nature," "illiterate and miserly father," "self-conceit of a weak head," "pride and obsequiousness," and "self-importance and humility" to describe the character of Mr. Collins.

b) The author used these words and phrases to depict Mr. Collins as lacking in sensibility, education, and proper upbringing due to his father's influence. Mr. Collins is portrayed as having a mix of arrogance and subservience, with his humility initially counteracted by self-conceit and pride in his association with Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

c) The author's language portrays Mr. Collins as a complex character with contradictory traits, such as arrogance and subservience. It creates a negative impression of Mr. Collins, emphasizing his flaws and shortcomings.

d) The emotions experienced while reading the text are predominantly negative, as the language used by the author conveys criticism and mockery towards Mr. Collins. There's a hint of sarcasm and irony in the portrayal, adding an element of amusement.

e) The tone of the text remains consistently mocking and critical throughout, with no significant changes in tone observed. However, there is an underlying layer of amusement in the portrayal of Mr. Collins, suggesting a touch of light-heartedness amidst the criticism.