Jane Austen and Charles Dickonson Analytical Analysis

“He who finds a wife finds what is good.” Proverbs 18:22 In the readings by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens both prospective grooms know that having a wife will be a good thing for them. Each story illustrates its own actions and feelings that lead to marriage proposals, but both are set in different tones and are for different reasons. Austen’s emphasis is one of acumen, while Dickens’ resonance is one of amorousness. The ending result however of both proposals although for different reasons is what benefit’s the suitors.

In the passages from Jane Austen’s story a business like, unemotional argument is made as to why Mr. Collins, a clergyman, would like to be married. In a analytical tone he matter-of-factly states his reasons for why he should be married. He lists each reason one by one how it would benefit him. “My reasons for marrying are first…” He states that first he believes a clergyman like himself should be married as an “example” to his parish. He goes on to state that it would make him happy and would also make his “patroness” happy. This patroness is a woman from his parish who supports and protects him. Mr. Collins, the suitor, is then offered by this patroness, a woman who would fit the mold of a clergyman’s wife to propose marriage to. This woman would be happy living off a small salary. She would be able to make things “go a good way.” This perfect woman would be a wife who would be quiet and obedient, as a wife of a clergyman should be. She would be compelled not only live up to high standards, but be impressive to others. This woman would be eloquent and a stately woman. Mr. Collins is a practical man and as it is shown in the story, believes marriage is not about love but for convenience and for stature. He feels forced to marry because it is the socially acceptable thing to do. Throughout the story Mr. Collin’s choice of words and his attitude conveys his true feelings on marriage. His wife must live up to unrealistic standards. He wants a wife who will impress others. His desire for a wife is purely for selfish reasons and has nothing to do with the woman’s hopes and desires. However, this was concedable practice in the early 1800’s, the period in which the passage was written, and a woman would find this not only an acceptable offer, but it would be beneficial to her status in society to be married to someone of the clergyman’s stature. Thus, she would assumably accept a marriage proposal under these circumstances.

In contrast to Mr. Collins marriage proposal, Charles Dickens creates in his short story a suitor that has a dramatic and passionate tone. His suitor is infatuated with love and believes that is all that matters. “You could draw me to fire, you could draw me to water, you could