Themes: Moral Order

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Although Silas Marner includes its share of tragedies, like Molly Cass's death, the narrative highlights a moral order that governs the universe. The main characters receive the outcomes they deserve. Silas Marner is rewarded for his love and care towards Eppie; Dunsey meets his demise before he can profit from his theft; and Godfrey Cass, due to his deceit and lack of moral courage, is unable to publicly acknowledge Eppie as his daughter. This moral order is revealed through what seem to be random events. For example, it looks like pure chance that Marner is away from his cottage on a quick errand, leaving his door unlocked (something he seldom does), just as Dunsey happens by, giving Dunsey the chance to rob him. Similarly, it seems a coincidence when Molly Cass collapses near Marner’s home, and Eppie wanders inside. Once again, the door is open, and Marner is in one of his peculiar trances, not noticing the girl until she is asleep by his hearth.

However, there's more than mere chance involved. Almost immediately after seeing the child, Marner senses a supernatural order guiding his life, eventually believing the child was intentionally sent to him. Dolly Winthrop agrees, though neither can explain this benevolent force. After Marner shares his past with Dolly, she tries to articulate her intuitive belief in a higher power orchestrating everything for the best: “For if us as knows so little can see a bit o’ good and rights, we may be sure as there’s a good and a rights bigger nor what we can know.”

Expert Q&A

What examples from Silas Marner illustrate George Eliot's intent to highlight "the remedial influences of pure, natural, human feelings"?

Silas, an embittered human being, begins to experience the "remedial influences of pure, natural, human feelings" as he reaches out to other people. Two examples of this are his going to the Rainbow after his money is stolen and his decision to adopt and raise little Eppie.

The exploration and illustration of moral philosophy and just deserts in George Eliot's Silas Marner

In Silas Marner, George Eliot explores moral philosophy and the concept of just deserts through the transformation of the protagonist. Silas Marner, initially a reclusive miser, learns compassion and community involvement, ultimately finding redemption and happiness. The novel illustrates that moral integrity and kindness lead to true fulfillment, while selfishness and deceit result in misery and loss.

Lessons taught in Silas Marner by George Eliot

Silas Marner by George Eliot teaches several lessons, including redemption, the transformative power of love, and the value of community. The novel shows how Silas Marner's life changes for the better through his love for Eppie and the support of his neighbors, highlighting themes of forgiveness and the importance of human connections.

Godfrey's moral weakness in Silas Marner

Godfrey's moral weakness in Silas Marner is his indecisiveness and lack of courage. He is unable to take responsibility for his actions, particularly regarding his secret marriage to Molly and his failure to acknowledge his daughter, Eppie, until it is too late. His fear of social repercussions and desire for an easy life lead to his moral failings.

The presentation of community and its interdependence with faith in "Silas Marner" by George Eliot

In Silas Marner by George Eliot, the presentation of community highlights its interdependence with faith. The novel illustrates how Silas, initially isolated and faithless due to betrayal, finds redemption and a sense of belonging through the compassionate and close-knit community of Raveloe. This interdependence demonstrates that faith can be restored and strengthened through supportive human connections.

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