In other words, men find self-fulfilment in being recognized as powerful, even if they are not.
Austen's novels are full of men who fit this description. In Pride and Prejudice, for instance, power and the male gaze are equated with economic status and choosing a wife. Women do not have the ability to choose a mate, especially if they are born into poverty. However, even wealthy women are chosen by their spouses, rather than recognizing that they have the power to choose for themselves. Judith Lowder Newton, in her article, "Women, Power, and Subversion, comments, "Women for the most part, do not dwell on their power to choose, do not debate over getting a husband, and seldom give thought to the value of one husband over another" (129). .
Newton contrasts this with a male outlook on the matter, "Men in Pride and Prejudice, therefore, are conscious of having the power to choose and they are fond of dwelling on it, impressing it on women" (128). The men in this novel are keenly aware that they are the privileged gender, yet to the reader they do not come across as being powerful characters. .
For example, Collins uses his right to choose a wife in attempt to better his position. During Collins" proposal to Elizabeth, he responds to her hesitancy with a compliment in attempt to coax her, "Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that your modesty, so far from doing you any disservice, rather adds to your other perfections. You would have been less amiable in my eyes had there not been this little unwillingness" (PNP 90). Rather than flattering Elizabeth, this further offends her. How dare Collins assert that Elizabeth is being modest! Collins mistakes Elizabeth's honesty for flirtation. He is too proud to even entertain the possibility that perhaps Elizabeth simply does not want him. .
Although Collins claims that his economic status will be of great assistance to Elizabeth and her family after Mr.