Is Collins Funny or a Nightmare?

Mr. Collins, as DW Harding contends, plays the role of a "comic effect" while also giving " elizabeth, a taste of the fantastic nightmare." The comic effect DW Harding describes is centered around Mr. Collins rediculous proposal for marriage in coincidence with Mrs. Bennets reaction to his proposal. The fact that Austen is poking fun at Mrs. Bennet (again) and Mr. Collins for his foolish and exaggerated attempt at proposal, certainly defines the character of Mr. Collins as a "comic effect" in the novel. Furthermore, however, Mr. Collins also serves to create a nightmare for Elizibeth because she must decide between abiding by her common sense or following along with the ideal of society. In this case following along with the ideal of society means to place "economic and social institiutions'... power over the values of personal relationships," consequently accepting Mr. Collins proposal. In any examination of Mr. Collins, two dimentions of his character and the effect his actions have on others must be considered. For viewing Mr. Collins in relationship to Mrs. Bennet suggests the commic role of Mr. Collins while viewing him in realtion to Elizebeth, he is apperently made out to be a "fantastic nightmare." Therefore, Austen's character Mr. Collins demonstrates how characters can serve alternating purposes within the context of a novel.