Pride and Prejudice Paper

Back in the day when computers and telephones did not exist, a lot could be inferred from one’s style of writing. In the novel Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen uses letters to portray the identity of certain characters. Through the tone, diction, and style used in letters, one can form lasting impressions and opinions about characters and their personalities. Both Mr. Collins, and Mr. Darcy wrote letters in the novel that helped bring out some of their unique qualities. Mr. Collins was first introduced in the novel by a letter he wrote to Mr. Bennet. From this letter, Mr. Collin’s character remained ambiguous and complex. He seemed polite and sincere as well as pompous and arrogant. After reading this letter, Mr. Bennet as well as the readers were left wanting to know more about Mr. Collins and his true nature. In his second letter, the circumstances were different, and it becomes clear that Mr. Collins can be quite rude and bitter when it is in his best interest to be so. Mr. Darcy’s letter to Elizabeth reveals a lot about his true character that the reader would not have initially believed or thought of. Mr. Darcy defends himself and gives valid reasons for his disagreeable actions, which shows him to be more amiable than he is previously made out to be. The writing style of both characters happens to be conjoined with their true personalities. The way Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy express themselves on paper, provides insight in their thoughts and perceptions.

An appropriate title for Mr. Collin’s first letter (pg. 54) is “ I extend my sincere apologizes and regard in hopes of becoming a dear friend”. Through this letter, William Collins is presented as a complex character. From his writing, he is percieved as a polite and politically correct man, yet there are certain elements in his letter that suggest otherwise. The letter portrays Mr. Collins as being amiable and incapable of doing any real harm, yet there are words and phrases that depict an air of arrogance and confusion. “For some time I was kept back by my own doubts, fearing lest it might seem disrespectful to his memory for me to be on good terms with any one with whom it had always pleased him to be at variance”. This quote is taken from the beginning of the letter, which sets a tone of uncertainty and confusion in understanding Mr. Collin’s character. Although the purpose of this letter is to extend a friendly hand to the Bennets, Mr. Collins mentions his initial doubts in doing so, and his fathers bad relationship with Mrs. Bennet. The term variance means being different or disagreeable, and to bring up this conflicting relationship his father had with Mrs. Bennet is not the best conversation starter, or way to create a lasting friendship. The opening senetences in Mr. Collins letter suggest that he may be good natured and sincere, but at times he is also very clumsy and inappropriate with his words. “I flatter myself that my present overtures of goodwill