Nightmare or Comic relief?

In the novel Pride and Prejudice Austen not only uses Mr. Colllins' character to show some of the characteristics of an obnoxious and pompous rich male in the 18th century, but also utilizes him as comic relief. The novel is intended to be a comidy and back then characters such as Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins would be considered very funny. Mr. Collins is just an outright ridiculous character who makes  a fool of himself in front of the Bennets and his own wife. The only person who can seem to stand him is Lady Catherine De Bourgh who is also incredibly pompous and prejudice. He also seems to cause an inormous amount of trouble for everyone because of his love to gossip and socialize. Thus the character of Mr. Collins provides both conflict and comic relief.