Investigation of Literary Criticism The literary criticism by Barbara K. Seeber, discusses what she considers to be the most prominent theme in the novel, that “love conquers all”. She also mentions and agrees with another critique who claims that the story of the novel has a “markedly fairy-tale-like quality”. Moreover, Seeber demonstrates how the novel gives importance to the past. The essay starts with discussing what she considers to be the central theme of the novel: “love conquers all”. She mentions how other critiques have found the novel presents a rather unrealistic story in that it concludes with a near perfect ending, defying all of the socio-economic obstacles for not only Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, but also the villains. In terms of love developing in the first place between the two main characters, economics should have presented a very powerful barrier between the two main characters however, Seeber recognizes that “the real force of economics simply melts away”. In fact, Seeber claims that such was the intent of the author to support the theme that love is invincible even by economic barriers. However, …show more content…
The past itself presents itself as an obstacle to the marriage of the Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. As Seeber mentions, by the end, it has to be forgotten and forgiven. There are several instances where this happens. For example, Elizabeth must forget her dislike for Darcy, while similarly Darcy must forget the insulting manner in which he was rejected. Moreover, the family must forgive and forget Wickham and Lydia for eloping and jeopardizing the family’s reputation. Finally, Darcy must forget all of Wickham’s horrible crimes since by accepting marrying Elizabeth, he would become Darcy’s brother-in-law. This once again demonstrates how “fairy-tale-like” the story is. Seeber therefore criticizes the novel for using “selective memory” to progress and end in a perfect society