Jesus Zamora

AP Literature
1st Block

In Charles Dickens, Our Mutual Friend, the speakers response to his proposal
will most likely be positive, however, the speaker in Jane Austens Pride and
Prejudice, has a higher chance to receive a negative response based on their
opposing attitudes, and assumption about the person receiving the proposal.
In Austens passage, the speaker evokes narcissistic and light-hearted
attitude, while also confidently assuming a positive outcome. The speaker
approaches marriage from a business point of view, my reasons for marrying
are which highlights a self-centered attitude towards marriage. His narcissistic
attitude continues as he believes that it will add very greatly to my happiness
making him seem that hes only getting married to make himself happy, and
disregards the happiness of the woman. Although the speaker has a selfish attitude,
the woman receiving the proposal will most likely give a positive response due to his
status in society; A clergyman like you must marry also giving the upper class
status that women were searching for in the Victorian time period. The speaker
believes that marriage would give an example to the parish Mr. Collins is part of by
having the honour of calling patroness the lady whom hes going to propose to,
that will add further to his reputation as a clergyman.
In Dickens passage, the speaker composes an intimate and thoughtful
attitude, in sequence of his uneasiness and hesitant assumption of the woman
responding with a negative answer. The speaker begins his intimate attitude by
expressing his love for her you can draw me to any death expressing how he will
do anything for her. Mr. Headstones thoughtful tone to his proposal, adds that he
does not only care about her, but also about her family, your brother favours me
to the utmost, giving more reason to why the woman should accept his proposal to
marry him. His negative assumption of the woman giving him a negative response
for the proposal, give the speaker uneasiness as hes waiting for her response;
draw me to any exposure and disgrace. Mr. Headstones expectation of the
woman saying no, makes the speakers proposal to be truthful and authentic as he
states i am thorough earnest persuading the woman to believe that Mr.
Headstone is the right person to marry.
In both passages there are opposing attitudes and assumption about the
response that each speaker will receive in their proposal. In Pride and Prejudice Mr.
Collins selfish attitude does not affect the womans response considering Mr. Collins
confidence and status in society that the Victorian Period focused on when
arranging a marriage. On the other hand in Our Mutual Friend Mr. Headstone
hesitation of the woman rejecting his proposal, make the speaker give a more
intimate and sincere proposal trying to persuade the woman to accept him.