The imagery associated with Silas Marner changes as the events of his life change. The author uses many natural elements as motifs to evoke these images - insects, plants, flowers, nature. For example, in the beginning of the novel, Silas is depicted as a spider "weaving his web" (Silas is a professional weaver) and an "ant" plodding along the ground. When Eppie comes into his life, he starts to recognize the beauty of nature, not its drudgery. He smells flowers, he enjoys listening to birds, he begins to plant a garden again. He reconnects to his community and re-establishes roots.

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