whoswho33 t1_itvreye wrote on October 26, 2022 at 5:43 PM

Perhaps… But I think Jane’s intention was to make him a satire of multiple things, like arrogance and the desire to prove how high in society he is, not as a representative of an autistic person.

violetmemphisblue t1_itvyetb wrote on October 26, 2022 at 6:27 PM

I think this is it. Jane intended for him to be commentary on a certain type of person. He's not really meant to be sympathetic or even fully-fleshed out. He's a stand-in for a type...I think if Mr Collins weren't so clearly meant to be striving for money and position in society, things like practicing a compliment could be read differently. But as is, I think he's just simply meant to be a man reaching for a grandeur his position and personality do not allow for.