Why Didn't Elizabeth Bennet Marry Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice?

The question of why Elizabeth Bennet did not marry Mr. Collins in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice has fascinated readers for centuries. While the novel seems to have served Mr. Collins and Charlotte Lucas well with their marriage, Elizabeth's decision to marry Fitzwilliam Darcy is often seen as a more compelling and emotionally satisfying ending. This article explores the reasons behind Elizabeth's rejection of Mr. Collins, her ideal of marriage, and the significance of her choice.

Why Was Elizabeth Repulsed by Mr. Collins?

Elizabeth Bennet strongly disliked Mr. Collins, not because he was poor or uneducated, but due to his awful manners and obsequiousness. In her conversation with Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Elizabeth succinctly states that 'there is my dear Lady Catherine, just as voluble in her moderation as in her temper, but I am not at all inclined to fear her'. This is a clear indicator of her lack of respect for Mr. Collins and her discomfort with his boorish behavior.

Elizabeth's repulsion extends to his character and disposition, describing him as 'an extremely foolish man, and very stupid, and silly'. This comment is not just a casual observation but reflects her overall opinion of Mr. Collins, who she believes would make her life 'miserable' if she had married him. Her disdain for his intellect is also evident when she tells Mr. Collins that 'I long have loathed the idea of any such connection', emphasizing the lack of intellectual and emotional compatibility between them.

Elizabeth's Ideal of Marriage

Elizabeth's decision not to marry Mr. Collins goes beyond mere disliking or aversion; it is rooted in her values and principles of marriage. She desired a partner, not a master. Her articulation of this desire is clear and unequivocal, 'I don’t want to be habitual to any person's humor—I am not capable of it'. This statement encapsulates Elizabeth's disdain for a marriage based on submissiveness and subservience, which she associates with Mr. Collins.

Likewise, when discussing Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth expresses her disappointment and frustration: 'What a woman can hope from a second husband in such a position is, indeed, a matter of wonder'. Elizabeth's rejection of Mr. Collins is not just about his personality but also about what she perceives as the incompatibility with her own nature and desires. She wants a partner who can understand and respect her, rather than someone who would dominate and control her.

Marriage and Independence

Elizabeth's decision stands in stark contrast to the choices made by other characters in the novel. For instance, Maria Bertram in Mansfield Park ran away with Mr. Rushworth, and Charlotte Lucas married Mr. Collins for practical reasons. Both endings show the limitations and compromises that other women make in their marriages. However, Elizabeth's decision to reject Mr. Collins and long for marriage based on deeper connections and mutual respect sets her apart as a character of strength and character.

Through Elizabeth's rejection of Mr. Collins and eventual marriage to Mr. Darcy, Austen explores themes of independence, self-respect, and romantic idealism. Elizabeth's decision becomes a symbol of female empowerment, representing a new standard for the ideal marital relationship.

Conclusion

Elizabeth Bennet's decision not to marry Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice is not merely a matter of preference but a declaration of her principles and values. Her rejection of Mr. Collins and subsequent marriage to Fitzwilliam Darcy reflect her desire for romance, intellectual compatibility, and mutual respect. Elizabeth's choice remains a significant moment in literature, embodying the aspirations and ideals of independent women in relationship.