The Absurdity Of Mr Collins

[@kittyallen5294]

I belong to a group of cosplayers who regularly dress Regency and attend Balls, Assemblies and Regency weekend workshops. At these events, we often play Whist. The rule of Whist is that if a player trumps their partner's trick through inattention; the trumped player must cry out "OH MISTER COLLINS!!!"

[@raraavis7782]

That's hilarious 😅

[@TiffyVella1]

Gorgeously funny.

[@pmarkhill519]

That’s adorable!

[@sapphire74-74]

Brilliant 😆

[@lorigraham2496]

I've often appreciated the actor's ability to so subtlety render Mr Collins foibles for us to enjoy.

[@Pukekura35]

David Bamber doesn’t get enough credit for his phenomenal performance as Mr Collins.

[@gaylesuggs8523]

I agree. Bamber was absolutely perfect for the role of "the odious Mr. Collins."

[@JULIESHOPEN]

@@Pukekura35 That's how I thought that if awards were given, he would win, he played the role in the spirit of the time !and if so, he was Mr. Collins. The years have passed and we admire him and look for him This is the reward for a great Actor

[@TristouMTL]

Every time I watch David Bamber's Mr. Collins, I am in awe of his performance... over-the-top and incredibly subtle at the same time. It must have been a pleasure to play such a character, and what a pleasure it is to watch!

[@rowanaforrest9792]

Yes! He makes me cringe, but that's exactly what the audience's reaction is supposed to be. As my Dad would say about actors playing awful characters, "You've got to be good to be that bad!"

[@juliamays6203]

The glorious irony is that everything that you said about Mr. Collins is proposal also applies to Mr. Darcy during his first proposal. It never occurs to Darcy that Elizabeth might turn him down and he cannot understand how she could possibly refuse such a favorable match because he has no grasp on her feelings. though their positions in society are vastly different, their approach is remarkably similar and that’s one of the greatest twists of the entire wonderful work

[@keithprice475]

The difference is that Mr Darcy is not a pompous fool and has sufficient self-awareness to realise the need to change when cast back on himself by Elizabeth's reproaches.

[@Irulan10]

Oops! I posted the exact same thing before reading your comment. Spot on!

[@michelles2299]

Well spotted

[@michelles2299]

Well spotted

[@thejaxter6384]

Brilliantly portrayed by David Bamber!

[@kerryendon7514]

The actor played "Mr Collins" so very well. I do love this version of "Pride and Prejudice" so very much! Thank you

[@TudorSmith]

He really owned his part didn’t he? So believable.

[@catherinewood948]

I have always admired the pragmatism of his wife who made the business-like calculation of dependent spinsterhood versus a loveless but respectable marriage with a snug home, possible children, and prospects.

[@rosanhawkins9213]

Mr, Bamber was delightful in the role💕. He doesn’t get nearly enough credit for his wonderful acting skills🥰

[@sylviekins]

You are right, his gestures were fantastic. I think he is the best Mr Collins I have ever seen!

[@dr.ko1]

"About a month ago I received this letter; and about a fortnight ago I answered it, for I thought it a case of some delicacy, and requiring early attention." Mr. Bennet's burns are the best nuggets in the story :)

[@TudorSmith]

Yes all of his quips make me chuckle!

[@dmrmkw]

@@TudorSmith Especially when Mr Bennet asks him if his flattery for women is spontaneous or pre-prepared. I love how Elizabeth is all but laughing into her napkin, trying to maintain her composure.

[@marisola7558]

I'm still amazed at how David Bamber managed to perfectly encapsulate the Mr. Collins' self-righteous sliminess. I swear he made his own neck disappear on cue.

[@kimquinn7728]

That's great!!!

[@redeagle999]

David Bamber is so perfect! I don’t know if I should laugh at him, hate him, skip the parts, or throw something at the screen.

[@mosart7025]

I know!! Feeling it too! Good encapsulation!

[@ordinarypeople20]

I think David Bamber does the very best of all the Mr. Collins portrayals. Unbelievably good.

[@electraruby]

Agreed A clever interpretation. I love the way he places his finger over his mouth when his rambling are over ridden by Lady De Burgh

[@SusieQ3]

Such a good analysis! Mr. Collins is my favorite "bumbling idiot" in literature, and David Bamber's portrayal was just too good to not enjoy.

[@melissaquern9449]

Mr. Collins is absolutely one of my favorite characters. Not necessarily as written in the novel but more in David Bambers brilliant interpretation and performance in the 1995 Movie. Annoying, embarrassingly clueless, and most often sweaty, his adorable love and weird flirtations with his dear Charlotte after they are married is still to this day one of my favorite moments in the movie. Charlotte could not have found a more faithful and adoring husband. While Charlotte may not see her marriage as "romantic", Mr. Collins 100% does. I would also like to mention that while his interactions are often off putting and rude, they are at the same time in his mind kindly meant to show his good intentions, which I do believe he believes to be true. Secondly, I would just like to thank you for this lovely distraction at a time when it is so sorely needed for me personally. I came across your videos on you tube while doom-scrolling the 2024 election here in American and your videos just may have saved me from having a total mental health breakdown. So for the next few weeks, every time I become stressed, I am going to choose to watch one of your fun videos, Pride and Prejudice both Jennifer Ehle and Keira Knightley movie versions or perhaps listen to my audiobook version read to me by the wonderful Rosamund Pike. THANK YOU

[@TudorSmith]

How nicely put about Mr Collins. Thank you for your kind comment about my videos. I hope they can offer you some rest-bite ☺️

[@Ponto-zv9vf]

Oh, no. I really love Elizabeth, and who wouldn't like Jane. I understand Charlotte, she's not a beauty, but level headed, and will do what she must.

[@PlanttreesMS]

Mr. Smith, you delivered a very pointed, incisive dissection of Mr. Collins' character. Very enjoyable. I also think that Mr. Bamber's is the best interpretation of Mr. Collins of any production to date.

[@TudorSmith]

Many, including himself, said he was too old for the part but I’m pretty sure he made it his 👍

[@janettesinclair6279]

I just love Mr Collins as portrayed in the BBC film of Pride and Prejudice. Superb casting and acting.

[@GradKat]

It wasn’t good casting. Mr C in the book is described as “a tall heavy-looking young man of five and twenty”. So to cast a slim 42 year old actor of medium height makes no sense.

[@kate8136]

Mr Collins is ridiculous but it was a good thing to offer marriage to one of his cousins. The Bennet girls were in a precarious position, having no money, poor connections, and few if any options to earn their own living. If he married one of them then it would have meant security for all of them as well as Mrs. Bennet. There would then be no chance of any of them, if they remained unmarried, to become homeless. Likewise, by accepting him Charlotte was not just thinking of her own security. She was eldest of a large family, and her connection to Lady Catherine through her husband could help secure a living for her younger brothers, and increase options for younger sisters like Mariah. Marrying for love is wonderful but back then women had more than just themselves to think about. It was a business transaction, at least in the upper tiers.

[@marianclough8577]

I really enjoyed your breakdown of Mr. Collins. And, as others have mentioned, David Bamber played the role perfectly.

[@PBcoverlet]

I agree.

[@debbieann921]

I love Mr Collins' buffoonery. He is one of my favourite characters. David Bamber plays him to perfection.

[@karenholmes6565]

The kids have a word for Mr. Collins, that word is "cringe". David Bamber is one of the best character actors of his generation.

[@kerensabirch5214]

He portrays Mr Collins perfectly.

[@LindaKing-nq6ut]

David Bamber played the role so well….

[@TudorSmith]

He was very believable wasn’t he?

[@LindaKing-nq6ut]

@@TudorSmith very much so

[@luga718]

The best!

[@laurab1770]

Totally agree.

[@donna3675]

Mr. Collins is the male version of Hyacinth Bucket.

[@lisawillis8227]

Pronounced Bu-kay 😂😂😂

[@CKLee-rs4kl]

OMG! Yes!

[@Ponto-zv9vf]

That actress was playing a bitch even in To Sir with Love.

[@kerensabirch5214]

I've always thought he'd have been more suited in character and interests to Mary.

[@martm216]

Thanks for the video. David Bamber did such a brilliant job of interpreting Mr Collins.

[@loribellitt723]

And then later on, Adolf Hitler!

[@AlmightyRawks]

One of my favorite acting choices in the BBC series is when Mr. Collins is awaiting the coach and is jumping around awkwardly telling everyone to make haste. The footwork is such a good acting choice. Hope you enjoy that little detail.

[@TudorSmith]

Yes those little details really bring the character(s) to life.

[@carolmeindl9508]

One of my many favourite lines in Pride and Prejudice has always been “ Shelves in the closet… happy thought indeed!”

[@TudorSmith]

Ha “Happy thought indeed” often passes my lips too!

[@legadillo]

David Bamber is my favorite Mr Collins. He is perfectly obtusely unctuous.

[@elcidcampeador7400]

Indeed, once you’ve seen David Bamber’s Mr. Collins you can’t imagine him any other way. His Mr. Collins is just perfect.

[@martinpakes5436]

Overall, undoubtedly. But Tom Hollander manages to mak9e the proposal scene even cringier than David Barber and deserves some credit(?) for that.

[@qvmarlins3506]

Mr Collins is as ridiculous as you say, yet he’s not mean, cruel, a drunkard, or a philanderer. Charlotte could have done much worse.

[@TudorSmith]

That’s quite true 👍

[@tantanu9787]

I agree. I think he is actually quite kind to Charlotte when he agrees that Lizzy visits as a friend. I understand that he has a motive too, that is to show Lizzy what she has lost by refusing him. But still, can you imagine inviting 'an ex' to your home to stay for a few weeks? I cannot!

[@QwertiusMaximus]

Especially in view of a true villain that was Mr. Wickham.

[@TheChiesa]

Yes, and that's what Jane pointed out to her sister by stating that Mr Collins was 'not perhaps one of the wisest men of our acquaintances, but he is a respectable young man'. Elizabeth was too prejudiced (or proud?) to acknowledge this.

[@pmarkhill519]

It’s amazing how Austen is able to observe and comment on human nature that still makes us laugh today. Pure genius!

[@LusiaEyre]

They should put 'see: Mr Collins' near a definition of a second-hand embarrassment :). He is a curious contradiction. Only 25 and raised by a miserly father, he wins a lottery by stumbling upon a wealthy patroness. I have a feeling his father was an authoritarian, and that's how young William learned to flatter, appease, and manage characters like Lady Catherine. He simply has the right disposition for her to feel her own importance, not any special insights or valuable opinions. Yet he is not good enough to participate in the local society of Husford. He is also not rich 'right now' (his income is only comfortable, house small-ish and requires all of Charlotte's management skills), but he is a gentleman in waiting. This all makes him a mix of humility and self-importance. His plan to marry one of the Bennett girls was actually sound and objectively kind, but he wasn't going about it the right way - or with the right attitude. He was humble bragging the whole way through.

[@helene4397]

And since there is no mention of his mother, most likely she died in childbirth.

[@Catmom-gl5nt]

I’m surprised that Mr. Collins’ father was not touched on. Mr. Bennett strongly intimates that his brother was unkind and by inference, cruel to his son. Jane Austin never wrote something without reason and I believe, Mr. Collins suffered from an abusive childhood, which strongly formed the man he became.

[@flufwix]

David Bamber was truly brilliant in the role of Mr Collins.

[@TudorSmith]

I’ve not seen him in many things - does he do mostly theatre? Anyway I think he’s totally believable as Mr. Collins.

[@kellydalstok8900]

@@TudorSmith I saw him in Psychoville, where he’s almost as ridiculous, and creepy, as an actor in murder mysteries at a restaurant (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn2ZZHZ7Zp2emKssi=9EjY1seMCJZlH0pO) in which he basically plays Mr Collins. After the leader of the troupe is murdered, he takes over.

[@amanitamuscaria7500]

PnP is probably my favourite novel. Mr Collins is just hilarious. Austen was a genius.

[@lynnholley]

My sympathies to Charlotte Lucas. The thought of marriage to Mr. Collins makes my skin crawl.

[@TudorSmith]

What was Jane Austen thinking? 🤣

[@juttapopp1869]

She uses him with no regard to compatibility and with open eyes. Hardly a victim.

[@clarebirschel6951]

Wasn't David Bamber just excellent in this role? ❤😂

[@TudorSmith]

He definitely made the part his own 👍

[@Bethi4WFH]

He was brilliant!

[@texasred2702]

Hard to believe it was the same guy who made you really understand the the personal charisma and intimidating power of Adolf Hitler when he portrayed him in "Valkyrie."

[@annebowman5954]

I think Mr Collins has one thing in his favour, and that his intention to marry one of the girls, a motivation he confesses as a reason behind his visit. He was actually trying to do something that would help the sisters, and it wasn't something he had to do..

[@TheRozylass]

Delightful analysis as usual. Playing Mr. Collins showcased David Bamber's exquisite talent.

[@catherinemccarthy4363]

Mr Collins marriage proposal to Elizabeth is a comedic delight.

[@JenniferHashmi]

Played so well by that actor! 😂

[@danawinsor1380]

Thank you so much for this presentation! One can sympathize with Mrs. Bennet as she tried to get one of her daughters to marry Mr. Collins. Otherwise, If Mr. Bennet were to die, the Bennet women could have become homeless like the Dashwoods in "Sense and Sensibility." If they were not offered a suitable place to live, as the Dashwoods were, one can imagine them living in rented rooms and the girls looking for employment, which in those days would have meant either a governess or servant. Then they would have been ejected from their social class. There was one inflexible rule in remaining in that class: one did not work, either in or outside the home. (When Mr. Collins complements the girls on the delicious dinner, Mrs. Bennet makes it clear that they employed a cook and the daughters had no knowlege of the kitchen.)

[@j.elizabeth4621]

One of my favorite things about the Mr. Collins screen time is Mary’s obvious attraction to him. If he had asked Mary to marry him, she would have said yes.

[@TudorSmith]

I’m sure she would have.

[@Ponto-zv9vf]

I am not sure Mary was attracted to Mr. Collins in the book. It's a long time since I read that book.

[@QwertiusMaximus]

There's an alternate timeline where none of the girls got married and Mr. Bennett died. It's call Sense and Sensibility.

[@aprilluber]

Jane Austen was such an astute observer of human psychology. Collins is portrayed as an overt narcissist, right down to the narcissistic abuse that appears when he becomes angry when he realizes he was late for dinner at Rosings (although Charlotte was the one who remembered). That is his true character and the rest is a facade. He is unable to show love to others. Behind the scenes he is most likely angry and vindictive. Charlotte only required a comfortable home and she can cohabitate with Collins because he is never around.

[@TudorSmith]

It’s a keen observation. Do we wonder if David Bamber did some serious character study for this role in order to subtly show that side of Mr. Collins’ character?

[@aprilluber]

I do remember him commenting in an interview about playing the "darker" Mr. Collins in the later scenes of the series.

[@raspar6]

Interesting! That would certainly explain why he drove all the way to Longbourn just to gloat about Lydia... That scene always confused me!

[@jeanettecardinal790]

@@raspar6, Good choice for Charlotte Lucas. She is rather plain, but intelligent. The "arrangement "is entirely suited to her. A spinster by nature i think. The way she sets the house out. so that as she tells Elizabeth. we can go the whole day without seeing each other except at breakfast sometimes.(para) explains a lot about the couples relationship. Once she's provided Mr. Collins with an heir and possibly a spare. her job is done. She can retreat to her own quarters, which will include her own bedroom, and never see her bumbling idiot of a husband again, unless she chooses to. Clever woman our Charlotte..

[@CKLee-rs4kl]

I don't believe any other actor could have portrayed Mr. Collins as well as David Bamber.

[@pollyparrot9447]

I love David Bamber's portrayal. Most other filmed versions I've seen have pretty good Mr Collins. The only one I'd take issue with is the Mr Collins in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (Matt Smith) - it's just wrong when your Mr C is sexier than your Mr Darcy 🤣🤣🤣

[@Ponto-zv9vf]

He was suitable unattractive, and obnoxious.

[@marelicainavokado]

He was both pompous sycophant, but still wanted to do something the real historical Bennets would have cherished: asked one of the five daughters (that were unlikely to marry well or at all because of their lousy dowries) to marry him, keeping the house in the family. He could have simply continued his father's grudge and waited for Mr. Bennet to die and promptly kicked the women out of the house, but he chose not to because both sides could profit from the situation.

[@sarahgoldberg6614]

All the film adaptations have him at least in his 30s. He is a lot more sympathetic as a man in a weird position in his early 20s where he has a position of moral authority with no social background or inate social skillato support it well.

[@TudorSmith]

Considering his age in the novel we might perhaps excuse his naivety or awkwardness.

[@crazyhorsesaloon8222]

My favorite movie of all time. I love that not one word of dialogue is wasted. You really have to pay attention when watching. Thank you for your insightful exploration of Mr. Collins - superb!

[@TudorSmith]

And many can quote it all line for line 🤣

[@emilyrln]

"This week on _Pimp My Staircase,_ we've got Willy Collins! Wassup, Willy?" "Bro, check out these sick risers I installed! They totally go up-AND down!" 😂

[@TudorSmith]

🤣

[@alloallie]

I laughed so hard, I snorted ! Hahahaha !

[@coloraturaElise]

Collins really is one of Austen's best creations! As for making your channel skyrocket with Pride and Prejudice, it would not be possible without the layers and layers of material in each Austen work. It's why we can come back again and again to enjoy them, and appreciate how truly BRILLIANT she was!

[@catgladwell5684]

I love Austen's ridiculous characters - she had such a mischievous sense of humour. There is at least one in every novel. Emma - Miss Bates; Mansfield Park - Mr Rushworth; Northanger Abbey - John Thorpe; Persuasion - Mary Musgrove; P&P - Mr Collins; Sense and Sensibility - Anne Steele. A glorious crowd of idiots, some poor, some rich, some kindly and lovable, others irritating, but all woven brilliantly into the fabric of Austen's great adult novels, and all with serious points to make about money (usually) and social standing.

[@reelmermaid8844]

An excellent list, thank you!

[@Ponto-zv9vf]

I have only read Pride and Prejudice. I don't want to read the others as I don't want to be disappointed. I haven't seen the portrayals either

[@kimquinn7728]

Not Mrs. Bates😮 Oh, sweet, nervous, kind lady. I think the jersey of Emma was Mr. Elton.

[@catgladwell5684]

@@kimquinn7728 Oh yes, both Mr and Mrs Elton are ridiculous, but also full of malice. You can't be fond of them. I do love Miss Bates, so I agree with you on that.

[@charnesch4274]

...and David Bamber did such an excellent job portraying him!

[@kimbarnetson3297]

While I'm obviously glad that Lizzie didn't marry Mr Collins, I empathise with Mrs Bennett who understands what will happen to the family if Mr Bennett dies. She's not worried about love or romance she just needs her girls married asap and preferably to someone with a stable income. How frustrating for her that her husband constantly ridicules and teases her

[@CorwinFound]

100%! If you look at the economic and social situation of the 5 daughters and forget the silly character of Mrs. Bennet and the affectionate framing of Mr. Bennet, Mr. Bennet becomes pretty villainous and Mrs. Bennet a sympathetic character. His wife and five daughters will basically be homeless and dependant on charity when he dies. But throughout the book he does not even the bare minimum to improve their future situations. Basically he's selfish, lazy, and pretty bitter. Over and over he shows extraordinarily bad judgement as a father, husband and head of the household. It's hard to know what the reader of the time was supposed to take away from his character. Was his negligence so obvious that it didn't need more than the barest mention? Or due to norms of the time was it necessary for Austen to hedge around the issue? Or something else like Mr. Bennet being an insert of her own father and she herself was less than totally honest with herself about him? Would love to see a deep dive into Mr. Bennet.

[@TudorSmith]

Yes there would have been little hope for Mrs. Bennet and the girls should Mr. Bennet have died before any of the girls had been married. It'll be interesting creating a video analysis on Mr. Bennet because he seems...shall I say "delightful", but for all of his humour and quick remarks, underneath is a man who has failed. By his own admission to Lizzy, doesn't he state that he should have put away large sums of money to buy off worthless men? Something like that?

[@karenlp5867]

I’m glad that you have made this point. It’s too easy to see the situation only from a modern perspective. I too am glad that Lizzie didn’t marry Mr Collins and everything worked out well for her in the end; but given her situation, she was taking a very big risk by turning him down. She and her family could well have ended up destitute after her father died.

[@GOODGRAYCAT]

​@@karenlp5867It's possible to speculate that, upon Mr. Bennet's death, Mr. Collins would probably still remain under Lady Catherine's patronage for her lifetime~ OR, as a Clergyman, if he took possession of Longbourne, you'd think he would graciously allow the family to live with him. Imagine how pleasant THAT would be!!!😬

[@noleenanthony-bruce3502]

It wasn't politeness that made her accept Mr. Collins invitation to dance. If she rejected him, then she would not have been able to dance with anyone for the entire ball. The rules of etiquette at the time meant that a woman could only decline to dance at all rather than refuse one man in particular (The annotated P&P by David M. Shapard, page 49 note 40).

[@SuperEohippus]

Yes, And she was still expecting Mr Wickham to arrive, so she certainly wanted to dance.

[@AnOldFashionedWoman]

That's very interesting, thank you for sharing it!

[@StevenDCook-rl5dg]

Looking forward to your treatment of Mr. Bennet. I love his witty put downs.

[@erinelizabethmsw5137]

I’ve seen some people complain about David Bamber because he doesn’t look like Mr. Collins but I think his performance is perfection!!!

[@TudorSmith]

I guess casting made their decision but it works for me 👍

[@keithprice475]

Do we know what Mr Collins is supposed to look like? Is there an illustration in an early edition?

[@ellie698]

Played brilliantly by David Bamber

[@GalootWrangler]

Instantly recognized his face from here and there (chiefly Rome), yet can never recall his name to save my soul. Thank you.

[@Cat_Woods]

If Mrs. Bennet had even a jot of intelligence or perception, she would have steered Mr. Collins toward Mary. Mr. Collins and Mary would have both turned out worse for it, but Mrs. Bennet would have achieved her goal. She obviously did not understand her daughter at all to think Lizzy, of all of the daughters, would have ever "made a good wife" for Mr. Collins.

[@montanalilac]

Perhaps the reason Jane Austen did not write it that way was to show how little sense Mrs. Bennet had! 😂

[@rowanaforrest9792]

Now I'm feeling dense as a rock, because it never occurred to me how easily Mrs. Bennett could have steered Mr. Collins toward Mary. Mary would have been all for it! I think the only daughter Mrs. Bennett understood at all was Lydia, because they were so much (too much) alike.

[@joanwood9480]

I've never seen this BBC adaptation of P&P but have seen another, and do believe Mary would have been quite happy with Mr. Collins. His numerous faux pas's would not have bothered her since she was not very good at picking up clues herself. Although not as poorly as Mr. Collins.

[@__Mist__]

But with his thinking of his own importance, he would have objected that he deserves a "pretty" wife. And Mary is said to be the only plain one

[@mathgeek7966]

In all the times I’ve read, listened to, and watched P&P, somehow I never really noticed that he simply invited himself to the Bennett house :-) Interesting video, thanks!

[@tyronewhitehead2737]

The comedic tones of Mr Collins and you reading this out perfectly matched brilliant.

[@TudorSmith]

😊

[@silentmentor5888]

How galling that system had to be to the women. Several of these women perfectly able to run this estate and yet they have to accept this buffoon as their superior. Unbearable! Back to reality now, the actor playing this role is superb! Here I am again watching these wonderful videos way too late at night. I have got to go to bed but I can NOT turn this off. Tudor Smith you're the best!

[@TudorSmith]

Aw thanks. Yes it was so unfair in those days.

[@eedwards4603]

Mr. Collins is one of my favourites - so many opportunities for humour!

[@pamelamason6372]

Tudor’s videos are always worth watching more than once: they are so full of detail which is humorously presented by Tudor himself. I understand Mrs Bennet’s frustration that Lizzy will not Marry Mr Collins. Should Mr Bennet die, she and five daughters would be homeless with very little money to live on: no social security in those days. It may be reprehensible for Mrs Bennet to expect Lizzie to sacrifice herself but given the circumstances, understandable. Thank you Tudor for another glorious episode. Get your thinking cap on and post another video SOON.

[@trishayamada807]

I get such second hand embarrassment for Mr. Collins

[@judithstrachan9399]

No need, he certainly felt none.

[@marilynsobel7414]

So delighted with the analysis of the absurdity of Mr. Collins! David Bamber's performance truly brings out the comic awfulness of Mr. Collins and this analysis is definitely the icing on the cake! The emphasis on his status as the heir presumptive to Longbourne gives new meaning to many of his scenes; I never really thought about that aspect of his character, as I was focused on his self-importance as a clergyman. Although they are very different men, I think it is interesting that both Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy expect Elizabeth to be grateful for the proposal and to immediately accept. They are also both comfortable in bring up financial status as part of their proposal. They also both initially refuse to believe that Elizabeth is serious in refusing them. W.H. Auden says it best: You could not shock her more than she shocks me; Beside her Joyce seems innocent as grass It makes me most uncomfortable to see An English spinster of the middle-class Describe the amorous effects of ‘brass’ Reveal so frankly and with such sobriety The economic basis of society... Can't wait for the future videos! Excellent work!

[@joanne1114]

I’m a Beatles ánd a Pride and Prejustice fan, how lucky am I ;) Another great analysis. I absolutely love how David Bamber portrayed him.

[@foxforpeace7351]

I am also a fan of both and quickly became a subscriber when I realized your interests coincided with mine. Looking forward to the Hamburg episode and any more P&P videos you produce! Keep up the great work. 😊🦊

[@kareno7848]

Mr. Collins has Aspberger's syndrome, most likely. He writes down little phrases to say in social situations. His masking is not good. I feel for him.

[@HeyCuteEarrings]

I agree. I now read him as a character with autism. Makes it easier to be compassionate toward him, but he's still really funny.

[@katerrinah5442]

My autistic ass trying to socialise: "what excellent boiled potatoes, it's been years since I've had such an exemplary vegetable"

[@cecilyerker]

He reminds me of my dad, we are both autistic. My dad is very extroverted but he can also be vain and selfish and his masking is not good and it’s been a source of conflict. My parents are divorced and my mom and I have a laugh at his expense when we watch the P&P miniseries together and Mr. Collins is onscreen.

[@coor0kun]

Mr Collins proposal is an excellent foil to Darcy's proposal - they were both conceited in their speech and sure of a positive answer with no self-awareness.... Darcy appears more absurd because we already saw a pantomime of this scenario that was truly absurd with Mr. Collins.

[@Wanda711]

One nice touch in the TV adaptation was the scene where Elizabeth pleads a headache and begs off going to Rosings after the calamitous proposal from Mr. Darcy. Mr. Collins is making one of his long speeches to her, and when Charlotte reminds him that they're running late, he rushes them out of the house and we can hear his voice rising as he berates her. He's not only a pompous fool, he's bad-tempered as well! Charlotte's bought her security at a high price, and I think it's going to take a lot of time in her garden and drawing room to compensate.

[@Ponto-zv9vf]

Yes, having to do what old Lady Catherine dictated. Charlotte didn't have the opportunities due to her class living in a small town with a father in trade, and having a few brothers and sisters. Mr. Collins gave her what she desired, and eventually being Mistress of Longbourn, if Mr. Collins survives and she has a son.

[@susanmercurio1060]

​​@@Ponto-zv9vfIf Mr Collins lives, Charlotte would be mistress of Longbourn whether she had a son or not. She would only be able to stay there after Collins's demise if she had a son. Or at least until the son got married.

[@cathyholcombe4674]

I have seen every movie version made of "Pride and Prejudice" and David Bamber was the best "Mr. Collins". In fact the A & E 1995 version is the only one that doesn't stray to far from the book.

[@sarabee7710]

Agreed!

[@DRthistle]

I agree! David Bamber was extraordinarily good in this...even as good as Jennifer Ehle and Barbara Leigh Hunt.

[@AngelaThomas-p9x]

There's always one actor who steals the show Without doubt it was David bambers vision of Mr Collins. Brilliant

[@rosezingleman5007]

Terrific analysis Tudor. Mr Collins is one of the most humorous characters ever written by Austen, and David Bamber nails him perfectly. Your channel encompasses my two most favorite cultural influences. Love all the travel too.

[@TudorSmith]

Thank you 🙏

[@larhumba4233]

And a wonderful performance by David Bamber, who never turned Mr Collins into a caricature, but always kept him as a human being of his time. 39 years since the BBC first broadcast episode 1 in the new Autumn schedule!

[@mellflowers]

How absolutely lovely your voice is. Great video sir

[@TudorSmith]

That’s very kind of you. Thank you 🙏

[@melaniephillips4238]

Such a thoughtful and interesting analysis! The Reverend Mr. Collins is one of those entitled, clueless Regency period characters I just love to hate, so I'm very glad you featured him. I was clueless too, though -- I had always just stopped with the characters of Darcy and Elizabeth as the symbols of pride and prejudice, but in fact, many of the characters seem to embody those concepts quite well. The only characters I don't see as proud or prejudiced are Charlotte Lucas and Jane Bennet. I'd love to hear what other commentors think. Thank you very much indeed for the lovely video!

[@Bella1584]

I found your channel for the P&P. I love your dissection of the characters! And I love your voice - it is calming. I'd like to know how Lady Catherine ever got mixed up with him to begin with. Did she have an opening in her parish to fill and he "applied" - because she had no male relatives to give the living to so she had to hire someone? And congrats on 10k subs!

[@TudorSmith]

Thank you. I'm not sure if it's every mentioned about Lady Catherine becoming the patron of Mr. Collins. But being that he is there to do her bidding, I wonder if she might have seen herself as a driving force for the community, leveraging Mr. Collins' sermons for instance?

[@grandmalaura8170]

@@TudorSmith Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins seem well matched to me, in that Lady Catherine needs to be adored, and Mr. Collins wants only to be closely associated with her as she will allow. His endless praise of her gives her the continual ego boost that she seems to require, so she keeps his around often, which pleases them both.

[@judithstrachan9399]

@@grandmalaura8170, she doesn’t seem to respect him, possibly doesn’t even like him. Certainly, she sees no need to be courteous to him.

[@ldcraig2006]

Thank you again for such an entertaining video. I can't help but wonder how Charlotte managed not to lose her mind over the years during which she was married to Mr. Collins.

[@lilibetp]

She knows all she has to do is have a son, then arrange an "accident" for Mr. Collins.

[@keithprice475]

Indeed! A good thing indeed then that she is fictional. 🙂 But then again I suspect Jane knew more women in her situation than she liked...

[@riverAmazonNZ]

She had practice from her dad who has similar (but more good natured) foibles

[@catherinewood948]

She encouraged Mr. Collins to develop outdoor activities and devoted herself to her household, her backyard farm, and to being a proper clergyman's wife.

[@sapphiregamgee4773]

"I encourage him to be in his garden as often as possible. Then he has to walk to Rosings nearly every day. I admit I encourage him in that also."

[@annegoodreau4925]

It's sad to see that Mary is the one who is truly interested, but no one seems to notice. Is it because Mrs. Bennet sees Jane and Elizabeth as the only real prospects because of their beauty?

[@rowanaforrest9792]

I do think Mrs. Bennett saw Jane and Elizabeth as the best prospects for marriage, but I think the reason no one noticed Mary's interest in Mr. Collins was because Mr. Collins didn't notice her when he had every opportunity. At their first dinner she was seated almost directly across from him, but he only had eyes for poor Jane (who obviously would have been extremely relieved had he been favoring Mary instead!). Then, when all the daughters were outside and Mrs. Bennett discouraged him from trying to win Jane, she didn't recommend any of the others but left the choice to him, and he was only attracted to Elizabeth. I doubt there was anything Mrs. Bennett could have done to redirect his attention to Mary, who was just not the sort of wife he wanted. I felt bad for Mary, though, because she was trying her best to get his attention.

[@joerudnik9290]

I always felt bad for Mary, she doesn’t seem to have a close relationship with anyone in her family. Yet, she seems to have the values and intelligence of her father and Elizabeth.🙂

[@kimquinn7728]

She is intelligent and also selfimportant and needed a little explaining to. To be wanting to be helpful and yet not to be conceited in your own mind. Mary could be worked with.

[@5apph1b1u3]

BBC 1995 Mr. Collins is much more entertaining than the 2005 film. In the 1995 version he’s portrayed as posturing and obsequious but there is yet something innocent about him. While in the 2005 film, he seems to have a bit more of a sneaky edge to him. BBC version remains the high standard, although I very much liked the scene in the 2005 film when Mr.Bennet (Donald Sutherland) seeks out Mary and takes her into a huge embrace as she cries at the Netherfield ball and also when he says to Elizabeth “I could not have parted with you, my Lizzie, to anyone less worthy”.

[@Nancy-sj7yg]

I just found your channel. As both a Pride & Prejudice and Beatles fan, I'm sure I'll be watching a lot of your videos.

[@TudorSmith]

Happy watching. Hopefully you'll find something of interest to watch.

[@kathleenrogers10]

Such a treat to have run across your video, on one of my favorite characters of what is, IMO, the Gold Standard film adaptation of Austin.s novel. Played so brilliantly by David Bamber! Can’t wait to watch it this evening!

[@kathleenrogers10]

PS: Austen, and typos. Delightful video, and looking forward to more. My personalized license plate (stateside) is: Get Back.

[@barbarahanratty4174]

I much prefer the televised version of Pride and Prejudice over any filmed version. I cannot pick out a particular actor as they were all brilliant. I look forward to watching more of your video clips.

[@antoinettegray355]

As a life-long Beatles fan and after discovering Austen about a decade ago, your channel has touched all of my buttons! You have my undivided attention! I have 2 cats - Darcy and Bennet!

[@TudorSmith]

Great names for the cats 🐈

[@torquaymouse2236]

David Bamber was perfect.

[@elizabethclarke4219]

After watching your very informative video , I can’t wait to rewatch the film and also to reread the book.. Thank you. I can’t wait to see the next video. Liz Clarke

[@TudorSmith]

Thanks Liz. I know that after [over] analysing the scenes it often brings the story to life for me 😊

[@bonnieboulter9486]

The actor who played Mr Collins was perfect. Can't understand why I didnt see more of him?

[@TudorSmith]

I was walking down Shaftesbury Avenue once in London and looking up at the theaters. David Bamber was starring in some production. Do you think he is more involved in theater than tv/film?

[@SomePeopleCallMeWulfman]

Didn't he play Cicero in the TV series Rome?

[@TheMOV13]

He had a minor role in the Kings Speech, I think.

[@thesixthgirl6199]

Totally agree. I think many people don't recognize or appreciate the fearlessness of an actor going full-bore and embracing a character so distasteful. He was marvelous.

[@DanBeech-ht7sw]

​@@SomePeopleCallMeWulfmanhe did indeed, and he was very good in that role

[@emilyanna4667]

Great analysis. I personally think that Mary and Mr. Collins would have been reasonably happy together. Mary might have no use for romance, but she was a young lady from a well to do family, and would have benefited from Mr. Collins's position. The only downside to this, from a literary standpoint, would have been a lack of emotional payoff when Elizabeth and Jane married for love, but also men of great fortune.

[@BerenikiRegina]

Mary was not from a well-to-do family!

[@pollyparrot9447]

Mary is as pompous and silly as Mr Collins so they are a good match from that perspective, but she has no inheritance prospects and is the dullest and least attractive of the Bennet sisters so there is no way that Mr Collins would consider her worthy of him.

[@raraavis7782]

I always wondered about that letter, where Mr. Collins basically invites himself to Longbourn. I always kinda assumed, that there had been other letters before that one, where Mr. Bennett maybe uttered some sort of 'vague invitation' for politeness's sake. Never expecting the former, to actually respond by making concrete plans. I rather don't think, that he planned his visit without any kind of invitation at all. But more, that his lack of social finesse/tact led him to misunderstand the situation. And he wasn't completely wrong either, wasn't he? At least Mrs Bennett immediately had the same thought as him - that it would be a neat solution, to have him marry one of the daughters. And it would have been, if either Jane or Elizabeth had felt any attraction to him. I mean...I feel we have to give credit, where credit is due here. It was a considerate gesture on the part of Mr. Collins, to want to marry one of the Bennett girls and thereby lesson the injury done to them.

[@Sojourners3]

Mr. Bennet reveals that he received a letter one month ago, which he set aside and took a fortnight to answer. Jane Austin characterizes Mr. Bennet as one who had an aversion to writing. The Bennet sisters offer to write their Uncle Gardner knowing how much their father disliked the task. When Lizzie travels from home, Mr. Bennet tells her to be sure to write him and humorously quips he might even write her back, which the reader understands to be a compliment. Then too, Mr. Collins opens his letter by extending an olive branch, which is indicative of a first letter. I don't think Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins ever previously corresponded with one another.

[@carolinemcnulty6169]

My favourite Mr Collins scene is at the dinner table when Mr Bennet questions him about his compliments. So well played by all the cast. But I also liked the shy smile his wife flashes him when he waves to her. Quite simply he seems smitten with her so it would seem she will not be too unhappy after all.

[@TudorSmith]

That first scene is so funny. You can see Mr Bennet’s cogs whirring away, knowing he’s leading Collins on. And the scene where Lizzy is leaving. I think I’ve caught that little smile on Charlotte face. It would be nice to think that she would mould Collins into a desirable character.

[@DanBeech-ht7sw]

​@@TudorSmithI read her expression as realising with horror that Mr Collins is planning a special night for them.

[@rowanaforrest9792]

Mr. Collins is smitten with Charlotte, but I've always interpreted her (wrongly, perhaps) as tolerating him but pretending to feel more for him. She was describing to Lizzie the ways in which she manipulates Mr. Collins into not noticing that they actually only spend brief times in each other's company most days. Again wrongly,, perhaps, I always think that in the scene where Lizzie is leaving the parsonage, Charlotte is thinking, "Uh oh, he's thinking about me way too much today!"

[@SoldierMom76]

The best portrayal in this version.

[@eveelliotauthor]

I’ve always been intrigued by Charlotte and Mr Collins; while it’s obvious at first that she is marrying him for security and respectability, later in the novel it is hinted at that she is more like him than we think. She is the one who tells him that Lydia ran away due to poor parenting( so she indulges in gossip and criticizes her best friend’s family), and after all, she knowingly put herself in the position of owning her best friend’s house one day.

[@Erixdel]

I agree. She has a higher tolerance for Mr.Collins because he is similar to her father, Sir Williams, in some ways.

[@rowanaforrest9792]

True, though interestingly, Charlotte doesn't become jealous of her best friend when she ends up making a very great marriage, not only for material reasons but also for love. Charlotte could be forgiven for feeling some jealousy at least at first, but apparently she didn't and remained a good friend to Lizzie.

[@doveandpatch]

​@rowanaforrest9792 ah, yes but practical to keep on Elizabeth's good side, after all, because Mr. Darcy has more to give (a better living, etc.). I've no doubt, Charlotte will deftly manipulate Lady Catherine and maintain her friendship with Elizabeth.

[@sarabee7710]

I think Charlotte was just very practical....at the time Austen was writing, marriage was more like a business contract and women were more likely to be married the way Charlotte was. In the novel, Elizabeth Bennet could afford to be sentimental; she was beautiful, intelligent and also young (or at least younger). Charlotte was described as plain and a spinster. She didn't have the luxury of picking and choosing suitors based on whether they tickled her fancy or not. In the end she made a decision to secure her future. Something Austen's contemporaries would have easily understood. I don't necessarily believe she was similar to Mr Collins, I just think she was adept at navigating his ridiculousness. And Austen demonstrates this. In the novel, Charlotte ensures her husband stays busy. She keeps him as far away from her as possible during the day by encouraging him to be in the garden or to go on frequent walks. The novel also states that Charlotte pretends not to hear the ridiculous things her husband says. In the end I just think she made a decision and found ways to live with it. And it seems like it worked for her.

[@canopusstar5157]

We forget how, in the past, women did not have many choices in life. They could not own property in their own name or have bank accounts or credit. One’s choices were: married, spinster, or courtesan/ prostitute. If you were a member of the nobility, you had slightly wider choices. Charlotte made the best choice from what was available to her.

[@AGMundy]

Jane Austen is deliciously funny at times, once you understand the language and period. David Bamber played Mr Collins wonderfully.

[@marianncadmus9572]

He is hilarious!

[@katebuckfield7736]

I enjoyed your summary of Mr Collins.

[@TudorSmith]

Thank you 🙏

[@trustmemysonisadoctor8479]

I love Charlotte Lucas, she was masterful in getting an offer of marriage from Mr. Collins.........with her skills of gentle manipulation I am sure she ran the marriage including when they will have children and how many all the while letting Mr. Collins believe everything was his idea.

[@rowanaforrest9792]

Yes, she played Mr. Collins like a fiddle. She had to -- self preservation! I feel rather sorry for her, though, since she's going to have to keep doing it for the rest of Mr. Collins' life.

[@juanitarobinson728]

I had to re-watch this video, I just watched two of your newer ones on Mr and Mrs Bennett and I then sought out this one. I love them all and I love the 1995 version as it gave us time to get to know everyone. I so enjoy watching these. I hope you do more of these.

[@Esmeralda-2003]

Please do a video on Charlotte Lucas Collins! Even if she is not looking for love, she deserves some love!

[@TudorSmith]

It’s on the cards 👍

[@eveningstar1]

She is my hero! The only female character to take agency of her future.

[@julijakeit]

Mr Collins came to scout for a wife, since Lady Catherine de Bourgh told him to marry a sensible girl from a good family but one of not too high a status (I wonder if she immediately thought of letting him know that her own daughter is out of question). It is so ridiculous to think that Mr Collins would be in such a awe of Lady Catherine that he is even following her superfluous monitoring in choosing a wife, anyone will do as long as Lady Catherine approves!

[@kathrynmurphy8147]

I really love all your explorations into the characters of P&P, it really does enhance my understanding and enjoyment of the novel.

[@TudorSmith]

Thank you 🙏

[@dlxmarks]

There is a strong tradition in British literature to depict Anglican clergyman as buffoons, hypocrites, or outright villains. For every one positive portrayal, I can think for five or more negative ones.

[@pollyparrot9447]

Yes - it is telling that in the 1940 Hollywood movie Mr Collins was a librarian, not a clergyman. British writers did not exhibit the fawning attitude towards the clergy that was seen in the USA.

[@sapphiregamgee4773]

Thank you so much for the wonderful insight into one of Austen's best characters! I particularly appreciate your use of the 1995 version (it's the best; I shall arm-wrestle anyone who says otherwise!) David Bamber so embodies Mr. Collins' absurdity, and in such a believable way, that I truly forget he's just an actor. I love his choices for the character (like when he physically checks himself in Lady Catherine's presence as she just talks right over him.)

[@TudorSmith]

You're very welcome! Yes David Bamber really does make me believe he is Mr. Collins so much that I’d probably believe he’s like that in real life 😆

[@Jeanne90275]

Mr. Collins is one of those toadish men one wouldn't wish on their worst enemy.😅

[@rowanaforrest9792]

Well, since he's not dangerous, I might wish him on my worst enemy... 😇

[@fionaforward3358]

Poor Charlotte,sharing a bed with him!

[@pollyparrot9447]

@@fionaforward3358 She's pretty smart. She might be able to persuade him that truly refined couples have separate bedrooms 😁😁

[@alyceameliahopkins3907]

Thank you for this great analysis video on the always awkward and sometimes offensive Mr Collins!! And congratulations on you 10k subscribers!! Im really enjoying all of your P&P content. All though the series is almost 30 yrs old, its amazing how many of us still favour this version!! Best wishes

[@TudorSmith]

Thanks you. And yes even after 30 years it’s wonderful that the series is still so well loved.

[@martm216]

I suspect that for Mr Collins, his proposal to Lizzie, while in part a business proposition, was also motivated by attraction. When asking Mrs Bennett about the availability of her daughters, he first sets his sights on the supposedly most beautiful, Jane. (Although, for me at least, Jennifer Ehle who plays Lizzie is more beautiful than Susannah Harker who plays Jane.) Then he moves to the second most beautiful, Lizzie. He must have known that he could have had the more plain Mary.

[@The1Hamp]

And Mary would have been a perfect match.

[@mosart7025]

Yeah, Charlotte, while not a beauty is way more attractive than the way Mary is portrayed! (not saying the Mary actress isn't pretty, but that hair and the way she plays Mary certainly aren't appealing!)

[@SharonM-f5v]

He didn’t want a plain wife. He thought that beautiful women should want to marry him.

[@martm216]

@mosart7025 yes, Lucy Briers is actually quite good-looking when you see her interviewed about the part.