I’m thrilled to welcome Victoria Kincaid back to Diary of an Eccentric to celebrate the release of her latest novel, Mr. Darcy to the Rescue, which I had the privilege of editing. Victoria is here to talk about humor in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice:
The Importance of Laughter
So, I wrote a Pride and Prejudice variation in which Elizabeth actually becomes engaged to Mr. Collins. Why was I motivated to write such a plot? Well, there are multiple reasons, but one is because my son (then 11 years old) thought Mr. Collins was funny. My son laughed at the guy when he read the Pride and Prejudice graphic novel and even more when we watched the 1995 adaptation (He also does a wicked impersonation of Mrs. Bennet: “You have no compassion for my poor nerves!”). His reaction made me think about Mr. C as more than just a plot contrivance.
When writing P&P variations, authors like me tend to focus on the romance, which makes sense. It’s a beautiful, compelling, timeless love story. Just the fact that P&P can sustain so many wonderful variations is a testament to how well-written it is and how well-drawn Darcy and Elizabeth are. But it’s easy to forget that it’s also a wicked social satire. My son’s reaction reminded me that humor is an essential element of the novel.
And, although Collins isn’t a very nice person, he’s a great source of humor. I had a great time writing scenes with him because he’s so egregious in so many ways. And unexpectedly, those scenes set the tone for the entire novel; the rest of it became fairly light and humorous despite the drama inherent in Darcy and Elizabeth’s romance. Darcy himself even reveals a sly sense of humor when dealing with Caroline Bingley’s insults to Elizabeth.
Writing Mr. Darcy to the Rescue taught me something about Austen’s novels: the importance of laughter. Although her characters often face worrisome dilemmas, the thread of humor helps remind us of a valuable tool in facing the difficult world. Elizabeth encounters some awful people, like Collins and Lady Catherine, but her sense of humor prevents her from growing too angry and resentful toward them (and probably helps her avoid an ulcer). She could easily become bitter, but instead she is amused.
Along with tremendous insights into the human character, laughter is one of the gifts Austen gave us in Pride and Prejudice—and it’s one I flatter myself 🙂 I have been able to share with the readers of Mr. Darcy to the Rescue.
About Mr. Darcy to the Rescue
When the irritating Mr. Collins proposes marriage, Elizabeth Bennet is prepared to refuse him, but then she learns that her father is ill. If Mr. Bennet dies, Collins will inherit Longbourn and her family will have nowhere to go. Elizabeth accepts the proposal, telling herself she can be content as long as her family is secure. If only she weren’t dreading the approaching wedding day…
Ever since leaving Hertfordshire, Mr. Darcy has been trying to forget his inconvenient attraction to Elizabeth. News of her betrothal forces him to realize how devastating it would be to lose her. He arrives at Longbourn intending to prevent the marriage, but discovers Elizabeth’s real opinion about his character. Then Darcy recognizes his true dilemma…
How can he rescue her when she doesn’t want him to?
Giveaway: Victoria is generously offering one ebook copy, in any format, open internationally. Simply leave a comment about why you want to read Mr. Darcy to the Rescue and/or whether or not you find Mr. Collins to be a humorous character, and please include your email address. This giveaway will be open through Sunday, August 23.
© 2015 Anna Horner of Diary of an Eccentric. All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce or republish content without permission.
He is just so silly looking in -95, just that makes me lol
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Yes, I think that’s an inspired portrayal!
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A great story line. I always think of Mr Collins as a bumbling kind of person. There is humour to be had though.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
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He is bumbling, but he also has a bit of a nasty streak — like when he says Lydia would be better off dead than disgraced. But he is a source of endless amusement!
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I am anticipating finding out how Our Dear Couple end up together in this variation. I have found Mr. Collins to be simply ludicrous and cringe and shake my head whenever he appears, be it in the novel or on screen.
skamper25 (at) gmail (dot) com
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I agree, he’s ludicrous, but he makes a great (if silly) antagonist!
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He does, most definitely!
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Oh, this book sounds so fun! The thought of E engaged to Mr. C in a serious way is gross beyond belief, but since you said this is a comedy with “Mr. Darcy to the rescue” I’m sure it’s absolutely delightful. I can’t wait to read this one. Jen Red
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I agree that it’s a gross idea. I had trouble writing a scene where they kiss, but it is a comedy — with an HEA for the right people! Thanks for your interest!
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Love the idea that Darcy has to save Elizabeth while she still dislikes them and has no designs on him, and he has to be the selfless one and rescue her
meikleblog at gmail dot com
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Yes, it does present some obstacles for Darcy. Thanks for your interest!
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I will definitely read this as I find the premise so comical to begin with…so bring it on!
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Thanks for your interest! Good luck with the giveaway!
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I have read that this is a fun book, so I would love to read it.
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Thanks for your interest! Good luck with the giveaway!
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Oh wow I want to read this SO bad because I actually always loved Mr Collins as a humorous and kind of a joke character and I cannot imagine Elizabeth’s thoughts while engaged to this buffoon LOL – it will be great to see how it ends! hopefuldelights1@yahoo.com and thank you – congrats on the book!
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I know! Mr. C. is kind of awful and wonderful at the same time! Thanks for your interest and good luck!
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Would love to read this one! I’m picky when it comes to P & P variations but this sounds like it would be enjoyable!
dsknits2 (at) aol(dot)com
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Thanks for your interest! Good luck!
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I believe this scenario would be quite plausible using Mr C of P & P 1980. He is more in line with JA’s description, and not so physically repugnant. I look forward to reading your version of the story.
Peggy
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Thanks for your interest! Good luck!
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This was a fabulous read!!
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Thank you, Claudine! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
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[…] So, I wrote a Pride and Prejudice variation in which Elizabeth actually becomes engaged to Mr. Collins. Why was I motivated to write such a plot? Well, there are multiple reasons, but one is because my son (then 11 years old) thought Mr. Collins was funny. https://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/2015/08/13/guest-post-giveaway-mr-darcy-to-the-rescue-by-vi… […]
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Oh dear.. where do I even BEGIN on Mr. Collins?! He is such a fool.. yet I SWEAR that I know people who could truly be him in real life! Part of me wonders if he hadn’t reached so high (first Jane, then Lizzy..) but shot more for Mary.. if he would have been successful. Ya know? But then again.. we all need that one buffoon in our life to keep us laughing!
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Hi Missy, I think we all know someone with some Mr. Collins’s qualities, but I’d like to think he’s a little too over the top for real life (maybe I’m naive :). I had a great time writing him, however, since he’s so funny. Good luck!
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I’ve read and enjoyed Mr. D . . .. Regarding Mr. Collins, I find him to be a source of humor, not a humorous individual. Rather, he is ridiculously self-impressed, easily manipulated by those whose favor he courts, and a prime exemplar of sycofancy. And, as the character providing most of the comic relief in the story, he is one of my favorite characters in P&P.
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Betty, I agree. If you looked up sycophant in the dictionary, you could find a picture of Collins 🙂 There are a lot of funny characters in P&P, but I think he’s the funniest. Good luck with the giveaway!
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eewwww….that is my thought on Collins. I am curious to see the humor in the situation. Thank you for the giveaway. Cherringtonmb at sbcglobal dot net
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Hi Becky, Collins seems to provoke that reaction in just about every female reader. I never did see how Charlotte could stand him, no matter how desperate she was! Good luck with the giveaway!
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Collins is a fool but he doesn’t realised it. He provides a fodder for other people like Mr Bennet to laugh at. So I agree with Victoria’s assessment. Thanks for the giveaway.
evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com
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That’s for sure! Thanks for your interest and good luck!
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I am excessively diverted about the premise for this book, and really want to read it, to find out how you work it out!
GinnaSaisQuoi at verizon dot net
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Thank you for your interest and good luck!
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I think Mr. Collins is hilarious. His overblown speeches are too funny. This sounds like an interesting way to look at his character and see the importance of humor in a novel.
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I agree. I think Mr. C. is one of the funniest elements of P&P and I had a great time making up dumb things for him to say. Good luck!
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I cringe, everything I think of the 95 Mr. Collins. Looking forward on how Darcy will able to win Lizzy’s affection.
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This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to celebrate the release of Mr. Darcy to the Rescue! And the winner is….Dawn S.! Congratulations and happy reading!
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