CHAPTER XIX

Summary

• The chapter opens with Mr. Collins deciding to make his marriage proposal to Elizabeth Bennet promptly, as his visit to Longbourn is nearing its end.
• After breakfast, Mr. Collins requests Mrs. Bennet's assistance in securing a private conversation with Elizabeth, which Mrs. Bennet enthusiastically supports.
• Elizabeth protests against hearing Mr. Collins alone but is overruled by her mother. She reluctantly stays to allow him to proceed.
• Mr. Collins begins his lengthy and pompous proposal, listing his reasons for marriage, which include setting an example for his parish, personal happiness, and fulfilling the advice of his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
• He explains his decision to propose to one of the Bennet daughters as a way to mitigate the loss they will face when he inherits the Longbourn estate.
• Elizabeth finds his justification and demeanor both distressing and comical but listens patiently.
• When Mr. Collins eventually expresses his "violent affection," Elizabeth interrupts and firmly declines his proposal, thanking him but making her refusal clear.
• Mr. Collins dismisses her refusal, claiming it is a common tactic of young women to reject a suitor initially while secretly intending to accept him later.
• Elizabeth reaffirms her sincere rejection, insisting that she could not make him happy and that he could not make her happy either.
• Mr. Collins continues to misinterpret her refusals as playful attempts to increase his affection and persists in believing he will ultimately succeed in winning her hand.
• Elizabeth, frustrated by his willful misunderstanding, leaves the room, resolved to involve her father if necessary to decisively end Mr. Collins's efforts.