Use Of Satire In Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice-Irony

Jane Austen uses satire in Pride and Prejudice to highlight the hidden importance of acceptance and power through the use of the pompous character of Mr. Collins. Throughout the novel Austen uses irony to satirize Mr. Collins. While attempting to propose to Elizabeth, she attempts to escape the room. Due to his vanity and arrogance, he wrongfully interprets this as a sign of her “little unwillingness makes [her] more amiable in [his] eyes (Austen, Ch.19). He cannot believe the possibility that any sensible woman would not desire his hand. He claims that it is his duty as a clergyman to be married and follows by bringing up the nature of his relationship with Lady Catherine. Collins states that “I must therefore conclude that you are not in