The Triumph of Love in Pride and Prejudice .
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife" (Austen 1). This line illustrates great foreshadowing of the central theme of Pride and Prejudice. It is a tale of love overcoming the obstacles of pride and prejudice. The story revolves around Elizabeth Bennet, the second of five Bennet daughters. Elizabeth is charming and clever, although she is quick to judge others. She represents prejudice throughout the novel. She is her father's favorite, and from him inherits her sharp wit. Despite her mother's wishes, Elizabeth is interested in finding a husband with a compatible personality, rather than one with great wealth. Pride is represented by Elizabeth's counterpart, Fitzwilliam Darcy. .
.
The first of many marriage proposals in the novel is that of Mr. Collins to Elizabeth. His original intentions are to marry Jane, but Mrs. Bennet tells him that Jane is soon to be engaged to Charles Bingley. He shifts his vision to Elizabeth. She rejects him promptly. It is a selfish proposition. .
.
He seems to be looking to make things better only for himself. Among his reasons for marriage, he states that as a clergyman it is his responsibility to set an example, it will make him happy, and that he is acting on the advice of his patroness, Lady Catherine de Brough. He also mentions that he will inherit the Bennet estate when Mr. Bennet passes away. He tells Elizabeth that he feels a certain responsibility to the daughters to make one of them his wife. Other than living in their house, he makes no other mention of any advantages acquired by the woman who will become his wife. When Elizabeth rejects him he is not discouraged. His arrogance forces him to believe that she will eventually say yes. He tells her that he is sure she is just saying no when in reality she means yes. He is confused as to why she would play this game with him, but he is not upset over not being with her.