Parenting

"the greatest part of his life having been spent under the guidance of an illiterate and miserly father... the subjection in which his father had brought him up, had given him originally great humility of manner, but it was now a good deal counteracted by the self-conceit of a weak head, living in retirement, and the consequential feelings of early and unexpected prosperity" (69).

Mr. Collins, though initially refined from his modest upbringing and his father's lack of education, has transformed from a humble and grateful man to one full of conceit and self-righteousness. He grew up with very little, but now that he has learned to provide for himself and overcome the setback that was his father, he has lost his previous sense of humility. The reader sees Collins act wildly oblivious in social settings and even condescending towards the Bennets, due to his superior financial situation. Any implication of a reserved, respectful man who understands the concept of modesty has been nearly entirely wiped out. He now does not need to work or endure any kind of struggle, unlike his father had to do in order to provide for Collins, and as a result, he feels no need to suppress boastful feelings or tame any comment that may come off as rude or insensitive.