Culture
Move Over Mr. Darcy: Why Gilbert Blythe Is The Best Literary Crush
Women have been infatuated with "Pride and Prejudice"’s Mr. Darcy for centuries, and with good reason. But are they overlooking an even more swoonworthy leading man?
By Lydia Smith4 min read
I’d never try to argue that Mr. Darcy isn’t a romantic hero for the ages. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve read Pride and Prejudice and could spend hours debating the relative merits of various film adaptations. Jane Austen’s masterpiece is perhaps the best example ever of the enemies-to-lovers trope in literature. The sparkling repartee between Elizabeth and Darcy, the dramatic gesture of rescuing Elizabeth’s sister Lydia from ruin, the way in which Darcy’s good character comes to light over time—the appeal is obvious.