4. Distinctions of rank

"In his library he had been always sure of lesiure and tranquility; and though prepared, as he told Elizabeth, to meet with folly and conceit in every other room in the house, he was used to be free from them there; his civility, therefore, was most prompt in inviting Mr. Collings to join his daughters in their walk; and Mr. Collins, being in fact much better fitted for a walker than a reader, was extremely well pleased to close his large book, and go" (Chapter 15, page 70: Penguin Classics).

Even though Austen describes Mr. Collins as "not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society," he appears as Mr. Bennet's superior (Chapter 15, page 69: Penguin Classics). Mr. Collins is the guest of Mr. Bennet's home, where therefore he must respect the host. Mr. Collins believes he can do whatever he desires while visiting the Bennet's residence, because he will soon own all of their property. He believes he has the right to go about his business about the house, when usually the host has planned activities. Mr. Collins is indeed a significant figure in Mr. Bennet's life, but I find it interesting how Mr. Collins doesn't approach Mr. Bennet's daughter and wife and discuss with them if they are fine with him taking their property. However, I also believe that Mr. Bennet, not necessarily portrayed in this passage, is acting as a superior to the rest of his family. I understand that he is the man of the family and is repsonsible for making big decisions, but I find it surprising that he doesn't approach his wife or daughters about the circumstances. It sounds like Mr. Bennet doesn't have much time to spend with his daughters and should confront them about issues regarding their property. By confronting them, he will be able to establish their trust, which they don't seem like they currently share with him.