I know Mr. Collins's sentiments and prescriptions...

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I know Mr. Collins's sentiments and prescriptions... Written by Adrian (5/12/2010 12:53 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, Insensible of Danger, penned by Robbin

...sound harsh (the word appalling comes to mind); but in reality they were ideas very current in JA's time. Mr. Collins, however, has neither the compassion nor sense to temper them in any way and falls into the extremism to which his ignorance makes him so prone.

We shrink in horror from Mr. Collins's prescription for Lydia,

...throw off your unworthy child from your affection for ever, and leave her to reap the fruits of her own heinous offence, (Ch. 48)

But how far from that strategy would Mr. Bennet have strayed had Darcy not forced the marriage of Wickham and Lydia? In MP, Sir Thomas Bertram, though kinder than Mr. Collins, came close to treating his fallen daughter Maria as Mr. Collins outlined.

Recall Mr. Bennet's first reaction to the newlywed Wickhams.

"Mrs. Bennet, before you take any or all of these houses for your son and daughter, let us come to a right understanding. Into one house in this neighbourhood they shall never have admittance. I will not encourage the impudence of either, by receiving them at Longbourn." (Ch. 50)

So for the time, although extreme, Mr. Collins's view was not altogether unacceptable. Still, I can never imagine Edmund Bertram, Mr. Morland, or Henry Tilney writing such a letter (or at least expressing those sentiments) in so callous a way.

(Naturally further comparisons to clergymen from MP or NA belong on those boards or at Austentations.)

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The odious Mr. Collins Cheryl (5/9/2010 11:09 p.m.)

Too late for repentance... many examples in 19th c. novels Benedicte (5/13/2010 9:27 a.m.)
You are very kind, nan duval (5/10/2010 10:54 p.m.)
- But Mr. Collins *is* consoling--in his way. Adrian (5/11/2010 1:30 p.m.)
  - I See What You Mean BarbaraB (5/11/2010 2:27 p.m.)
    - I still feel sorry for God. nan duval (5/11/2010 4:23 p.m.)
      - Same here. Thanks for the explication :) nfm Karen G (5/12/2010 1:08 p.m.)
"Not vicious," indeed . . . Mary Anne (5/10/2010 7:48 p.m.)
Miss Austen shows a striking contrast... jeffrey (5/10/2010 11:11 a.m.)
- Spoilers Cheryl (5/10/2010 1:23 p.m.)
  - Apologies to the group, Cheryl; I see my gaffe! (NFM) jeffrey (5/10/2010 5:13 p.m.)
Mr. Collins' character Line (5/10/2010 8:33 a.m.)
- Insensible of Danger Robbin (5/12/2010 12:12 p.m.)
  - I know Mr. Collins's sentiments and prescriptions... Adrian (5/12/2010 12:53 p.m.)
    - Fathers & Fallen Daughters Robbin (5/14/2010 7:54 p.m.)
      - Living in a secluded farmhouse Line (5/14/2010 10:09 p.m.)
    - No room for repentance? Connie (5/12/2010 2:15 p.m.)
Yes, ... gianni (5/10/2010 12:46 a.m.)
- A very common attitude during the time period and much AnnetteJ (5/10/2010 7:39 a.m.)
  - Charlotte's role Anne-Marie (5/10/2010 9:17 a.m.)
    - Speculation about what Charlotte knew and said Tom P2 (5/10/2010 4:59 p.m.)
      - As we only have Mr Collins' report Kathleen Glancy (5/10/2010 6:35 p.m.)
    - Mr. Collins and Charlotte Aaron (5/10/2010 10:56 a.m.)
      - being unworthy to be compared with [her] friend   Stephanie (5/10/2010 11:44 a.m.)
        
        Better Phrasing   Robbin (5/12/2010 11:03 a.m.)
        
        His wave ...   gianni (5/12/2010 8:58 p.m.)
        
        firmly believed and rejoiced in his domestic comforts   Stephanie (5/12/2010 11:30 a.m.)
        
        I agree   Aaron (5/10/2010 2:01 p.m.)
        
        In my more wicked moments...   Adrian (5/10/2010 12:23 p.m.)
        
        "Pride and Promiscuity: The Lost Sex Scenes of Jane   AnnetteJ (5/10/2010 2:20 p.m.)

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