Fordyce’s Sermons

“...after some deliberation he chose Fordyce’s Sermons.” (Page 67)

Fordyce’s Sermons, also know as Sermons to Young Women, was the most famous publication of Scottish clergyman Dr. James Fordyce. The book which was published in 1766 was a compilation of sermons that focused on women’s conduct. The book, being a collection of Fordyce’s personal opinions on how women should act and be treated, is considered to be extremely bias and demeaning to women. Following its publication, women began garnering social and political rights, and thus it quickly became outdated. Austen purposely has Mr. Collins choose this novel to read aloud in order to develop his character as being dimwitted, not very keen to his actions, and demoralizing. Among his many faults (his incessant talking about topics the Bennets find little intereset in, for one) this choice of reading material certainly does not help him in wooing Elizabeth.

"Biography: Alexander Chalmers on Rev. James Fordyce." English Poetry 1579-1830. Web. 08 Mar. 2010. http://spenserians.cath.vt.edu/BiographyRecord.php?action=GET&bioid=4587.