Silas Marner | Silas Marner

At a glance:

Author: George Eliot
First Published: 1861
Type of Work: Victorian Novel
Genres: Long fiction, Fable, Domestic realism
Subjects: Values, Child rearing or parenting, Children, Family or family life, Love or romance, Nineteenth century, Marriage, Mistaken or secret identity, Betrayal, Rural or country life, Alienation, England or English people, Adultery, Adoption or adopted children, Greed, Faith, Small-town life, Money, Theft, Loneliness, Gossip, Gold, Precious metals or stones, Weaving or weavers
Locales: England

In an incident briefly recounted at the beginning of the novel, Silas Marner is cruelly betrayed by his best friend, who steals some money and contrives evidence suggesting that Silas is guilty. When a trial by lots conducted by Silas’ narrow Protestant sect confirms his guilt, Silas is bitterly disillusioned with divine, as well as human, justice. Moving to a rural village in central England, he isolates himself from all contact with the community and, by his assiduous weaving, accumulates a substantial sum in gold coins.

Silas Marner | Silas Marner

At a glance:

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