How Does Jane Austen Present Mr. Collins Position On His Living Conditions

Mr. Collins' position on his living conditions relates to his ideas about the importance of a set social status. He takes great pride in his position in the church, but he is aware of his position to those both above and below his status on the social ladder. Readers receive one of the first glimpses of his character when he describes where he lives. This follows when he states, "The garden in which stands my humble abode is separated only by a lane from Rosings Park, her ladyship's residence" (Austen 69). Jane Austen provides her audience with Mr. Collins' eagerness to describe his fortunate position in Huntsford under his patronage. This also provides him with an opportunity to showcase his pride in his position, and when he mentions Lady
Collins invited them to take a stroll in the garden, which was large and well laid out, and to the cultivation of which he attended himself. To work in this garden was one of his most respectable pleasures" (163). As expressed earlier, his garden acts as the boundary between two worlds in social status. The reader can see why he takes such care in it, because it reflects not only his status in the community, but also his relationship with Lady Catherine. If he did not tend it, the garden would become overgrown. This would not please Lady Catherine, since she often passed by his small parsonage. In keeping up his home, Mr. Collins is able to secure his social status of having the means to keep a house running in order, and keep in good standing with those above him like Lady
He distinguishes their worth, and cannot help explaining to others about their magnitude. This occurs most frequently when Elizabeth comes to visit their abode and was only "slightly affected by his enumeration of the windows in front of the house, and his relation of what the glazing altogether had originally cost Sir Lewis de Bourgh [...] From the entrance-hall, of which Mr. Collins pointed out, with a rapturous air, the fine proportion and the finished ornaments" (Austen 168). While these are not his property, he takes great pride in defining their worth to others, like he expressed with his own house. Mr. Collins attempts to convey to Elizabeth their merit as a means of defining his status. He mentions numerous times in the novel how often Lady Catherine condescends to invite him to her house. To him, this elevates his position in society, which is why he devotes so much of his time giving her compliments. It also, however, displays to Elizabeth what she lost in not accepting his marriage proposal. Social status means nearly everything to Mr. Collins, and he expresses that thought of pride with the objects that surround