Does Godfrey Cass, Eppie’s biological father, have the right to take her from Silas Marner, her adoptive father? What ethical dilemmas does this situation bring up? How is this issue pertinent in the early 2000s?

Considering that Eliot has faced criticism from some feminists for her conservative portrayal of women, analyze the characters of Nancy Lammeter, Dolly Winthrop, and Eppie. Are they depicted as reliant on men? How do they pursue their needs and aspirations? In what ways do they provide support to others?

Examine how Silas Marner raises Eppie. What guiding principles does he adhere to? Does he take Dolly Winthrop’s advice into account? What significance does punishment hold in the upbringing of children?

Provide a thorough analysis of the scene in Chapter 6 where the male villagers gather at the Rainbow. Who are the key characters, and what topics do they discuss? What does this scene reveal about the everyday life in Raveloe? Why is this scene strategically placed at this point in the story?