AQA GCSE English Literature · 8702
Paper 1
Revise: Mr Collins and Charlotte LucasThe narrator summarises him as “a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility” in Chapter 15.
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GCSE English Literature · key term
Excessively eager obedience or flattery towards someone powerful, usually to gain or preserve their favour.
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Paper 1
Revise: Mr Collins and Charlotte LucasThe narrator summarises him as “a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility” in Chapter 15.
Paper 2
Excessively submissive behaviour towards someone powerful, usually shown through flattery and eagerness to please.
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The narrator then calls him “a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility”. These balanced pairs of opposites capture a consistent pattern: he submits to people above him while asserting authority over those he considers below him. His apparent humility is therefore not the opposite of pride; it helps him enjoy importance through his association with Lady Catherine.
Paper 1
Excessively eager obedience or flattery towards someone powerful, usually to gain or retain their favour.
Revise: Mr Collins and Charlotte LucasThe narrator explains that his upbringing under an illiterate, miserly father encouraged submission, while his unexpected prosperity increased his self-conceit. He becomes “a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility” in Chapter 15. The balanced pairs join apparently opposite qualities.
Component 2
Excessively eager submission or flattery towards someone regarded as powerful or important.
Revise: Mr Collins and Charlotte LucasAusten then describes him as “a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility”.