Dickens/Austen

Dickens/ Austen Prompt
Jane Austen and Charles Dickens portray a marriage proposal in their novels which differ in rhetorical strategies. While Austen uses a more condescending and
non-intimate proposal, Dickens has a more humble and romantic approach to the proposal.
Austen’s proposal begins with the phrase that reflects the selfishness and arrogance of his entire proposal: “My reasons.” Throughout the proposal Austen lists the reasons why he should marry, rather than listing what he has to offer her. His first reason for matrimony is simply that a clergyman “like [him]self should marry in order to set the example.” He later adds that his patroness declared that a “clergy man like [him] must marry.” Apparently, Austen sets himself on a high horse because of his status as a clergyman. Austen blatantly states, “I am convinced that it will add to greatly to my happiness.” No where in his proposal does Austen add that he will bring joy to her life ...