Silas Marner Group

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zach123
zach123
Student
High School - 10th Grade

In chapter 1 of "Silas Marner," how did people generally view knowledge and education during this time period?

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Posted by zach123 on Monday July 6, 2009 at 2:29 PM and tagged with analysis, characters, details, silas, silas marner, summary, theme.

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  1. ladyvols1 Teacher
    High School - 9th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    During this century villagers had a strong suspicion against anything and anyone they didn't understand or anyone who was different.  The superstitious villagers mistrusted all forms of strangers and strange information.   Therefore they were very suspicious of educaton or educated people.  It was much like living in a small town in this era.  If people don't know who you are, who your mother and father are, or what your linage was, then you are suspect.  This is what Silas Marner had to deal with after moving to Raveloe. 

    His faith lost, run out of his home, angry, and bitter Marner became a hording hermit.  As a weaver he was not completly accepted and as an outsider he was mistrusted.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/silas-marner/characters
    http://www.enotes.com/silas-marner/plot-summary
    http://www.enotes.com/silas-marner/themes

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    Posted by ladyvols1 on Monday July 6, 2009 at 3:10 PM