Mr. Collins's Last Supper

A Short Story Inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

By: Shannon Winslow

Narrated by: Chandler Craig

William Collins, from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, is a man upon whom the face of undeserved fortune has smiled. Despite his notable shortcomings of mind and character, he has secured for himself a comfortable living as the rector of Hunsford parish, and a humane and sensible wife. He also looks forward to the day when he shall inherit a tidy estate in Hertfordshire. Until then, he basks in the rarified light of Lady Catherine de Bourgh's patronage, a place where he can sample, albeit vicariously, the wealth and consequence he secretly yearns for.

Perhaps Mr. Collins should be satisfied, yet he cannot help hungering for a slightly higher style of living than his pocket currently supports. After all, a simple country parson cannot afford to put a fine cut of meat on his table every day, but his esteemed patroness can. When, over the strenuous objections of his wife Charlotte, Mr. Collins induces Lady Catherine to send a joint of mutton to the parsonage, little does he suspect that tasty meal will be his last.

Mr. Collins's Last Supper: A Short Story Inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is the tongue-in-cheek tale of how a pompous clergyman discovers too late why gluttony is considered one of the seven deadly sins.

©2012 Shannon Winslow (P)2013 Shannon Winslow

A Most Entertaining Short Story

I loved the many voices of Chandler Craig. The story line was reminiscent of the period.

Must Listen!

Have you ever wondered what happened to the obsequious Mr. Collins? And Elizabeth’s best friend, Charlotte? Then you must listen to/read this delightfully entertaining tale. Shannon Winslow stays true to the canon impeccably. Chandler Craig’s narration and characterisation is superb and immensely entertaining. Highly recommend!

A Delightful and Fitting End

The characters are well captured by Winslow, the narrator is superb. It was a delight to imagine this all occurring in the 1995 BBC version of P&P.

Short Story yes. Good Story,Meh.

I dont know all the Jane Austen stuff but this story did not sound like something she would have writtten. I felt it ended badly and left loose ends. That character deserved a love match. After being married to that Ninnyhammer of a man.

Good Short Story

If you could sum up Mr. Collins's Last Supper in three words, what would they be?

Witty, humorous, short story

Any additional comments?

Good little short listen, I recommend it. The narration was smooth, the voices were well done.

Short story

It was a great little story. A perfect attempt at describing Mr. Collins. Really enjoyed it.

Hah

I mean, it’s funny. And she captures his character quite well. I only wish it had been that the meat had been sent and poisoned by his benefactor lol— just as he’s praising her and assuming her constant approval- she’s had enough

Why so short?

This story could easily have been included in one of the stories that the author has written as sequels to Pride and Prejudice. There is much repetition in these books. So you buy half a dozen books that could have been one long story. Bit of a shame because the author writes well. But it sure is an expensive exercise for the reader.

I dunno...

Any additional comments?

In this story, Mr. Collins seemed to be Mrs. Bennet - her personality and even some of her phrases. Charlotte was closer to Elizabeth and seemed out of character.

I guess that people who want authenticity would appreciate the almost direct quotes and exact rehashed occurrences.

Other than the one obvious thing, nothing really happened here...

I feel like Mr. Collins was huge comic relief in Pride & Prejudice, but not in this story.