Final answer:
Mr. Collins describes elegance, grooming, and a fine appearance as the usual practice of elegant females in his proposal to Elizabeth, highlighting the role of traditional female beauty standards in their society.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the proposal to Elizabeth, Mr. Collins describes what he perceives as 'elegance, grooming, a fine appearance' as the usual practice of elegant females. This suggests that he values traditional norms of female beauty and behavior, and sees these as virtues to be upheld in society. Elegance and appearance played a significant role in the social dynamics of Jane Austen's time, and Mr. Collins's views are reflective of the societal expectations placed upon women to maintain a particular standard of poise and decorum.