Celestina- Day 5

At the end of the novel, one thing that becomes clear is Pleberio's lack of love for his daughter. While he makes it seem like he loved Melibea, it is clear that he doesn't truly love her. First, had he loved her, much of this story would be different. He would have known Melibea better and the whole affair between her and Calisto wouldn't have happened. His lack of love was also manifested in his speech at the end of the book. In this speech he mourns the loss of Melibea, but only in its relationship to him. He doesn't seem to care about the pain that she went through or her suffering, but he does care about his. This can clearly be seen in his last sentence:

"Why did you afflict me and leave me sad and alone in this vale of tears?"

If Pleberio didn't love Melibea to begin with though, it raises the question as to why he is mourning her loss. I think that the reason has something to do with the world Pleberio tried to create. Melibea killing herself is merely proof that his patriarchal society is defunct. He tried to protect her by raising both physical and metaphorical barriers, but it shows that passion will break through the toughest bonds. I think that the other reason for his sadness is the fact that her suicide will bring shame and dishonor to him. This will come not only from her suicide, which was quite frowned upon by the Church and society, but also from the fact that her and Calisto's story will most likely be circulated through the city.