Through the representation of Elizabeth, marrying someone outside their own level is something middle class ladies are constrained against. .
Ladies from the upper class were generally more accomplished, they were more privileged from their family's wealth, therefore sustain more freedom and power compared to the middle class ladies. This is represented through Lady Catherine de Bourgh, she is exceedingly privileged due to her large fortune. .
If you mention my name at the Bell, you will be attended to.
This illustrates the power Lady Catherine de Bourgh upholds, due to her fortune and position in the society she is able to control and retain her power against others, and make those below her obey and perform her demands.
It is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honour of calling patroness. Twice has she condescended to give me her opinion on this subject.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh has enough power to maintain the respects of gentlemen from a lower class. Mr. Collins respects her wishes greatly and is determined to please her by bestowing her wish for him marry. Due to her wealth, Lady Catherine is very much privileged compared to the middle class ladies.
Middle class men were expected to marry in their own social level, a lady who would know what was expected of her as the 'lady' of the estate. Mr Collins represents those in the middle class, he is constrained by the society, but also by Lady Catherine de Bourgh to marry a suitable wife that is not higher than him.
A clergyman like you must marry. - Chuse properly, chuse a gentlewoman for my sake; and for your own, let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up high.
In this quote, Lady Catherine de Bourgh has restricted Mr. Collins of marrying a lady too high, she takes his marriage as her responsibility and forces him to marry a wife within his own level who will suit both him and her.
