Bennet's death, his true reasons for selecting the second eldest Miss Bennet are purely selfish. While it is natural for the reader to agree that some of Collins" seem to have some merit, Austen writes in such a way that we find Collins" proposal insulting and his reaction to Elizabeth's rejection very similar to a child throwing a tantrum.
Mr. Darcy is another example of a man who takes pride in his ability to choose a wife. Darcy is confident in his proposal to Elizabeth because he is certain that she will be only too happy to accept his offer. Austen writes of the proposal, "As he said this, she [Elizabeth] could easily see that he had no doubt of a favorable answer. He spoke of apprehension and anxiety, but his countenance expressed real security" (PNP 170). Although Darcy is doing his best to make it seem as though he is nervous or an unworthy candidate for Elizabeth's hand, the truth in his expression betrays him. Even though Darcy is a more likable character than Collins, both men find self-assurance and power as a result of their wealth and the ability to select a preferred mate. .
Even Mr. Bennet enjoys reminding his family of how dependent they all are upon him. For example, after receiving Mr. Collins" letter, Mr. Bennet tells his wife, "when I am dead, [he] may turn you all out of this house as soon as he pleases" (56). This is Mr. Bennet's way of "relish[ing] the power he has over women" and seeking "opportunities for its display" (Newton, 127). Mr. Bennet is aware of the poor choice he made in a spouse and his only delight is found in provoking Mrs. Bennet. .
In Northanger Abbey, on the other hand, the majority of the men are not portrayed in a positive light at all. Austen seems to focus more on the way men grasp for power than the ways in which their power is exhibited. The most infuriating male character of all, John Thorpe, is repeatedly seen struggling to find self worth in bragging, lying to gain importance, and degrading other male and female characters.