The novel, Silas Marner by George Eliot :: English Literature

The novel, Silas Marner by George EliotSilas MarnerThe novel, Silas Marner by George Eliot is a prime example of a talewhich enlists the use of the literary archetype of the quest. SilasMarner is a lonely earth who lives in the t bear of Raveloe with nothingbut his hard-earned gold to console him. His beseech comes unexpectedlywhen a man by the name of Dunstan Cass steals the money. This marksthe even where Marner sets out on his quest to find the gold. Theprotagonists other(a) in the novel is in the form of Dunstans olderbrother, Godfrey Cass. while Silas and Godfrey are complete oppositeson many levels, they are ultimately the similar person. Godfrey is a manstill in his youth, who has been blessed with a sumptuous lifestyle,whereas Silas is portrayed as a miserly old man. Differences in fond class aside, both Silas and Godfrey are lonely a product oftheir own actions. Godfrey is lonely because he chooses not to tellNancy of his secret marriage, and Silas is alone because he choosesnot to associate with the townsfolk. That is, until he is called uponto do so with the theft of his gold. Silas is support by his adopteddaughter Eppie, who acts as the helper, or guide. Silass voyage isboth physical and psychological. At first, Silas sets out to discoverwho it is that has stolen his money, and means to drop dead it back, and hasno intention of punishing the thief. It is evident that this is notthe quest the germ has in mind for him. Through the journey ofraising Eppie, George Eliot has Marner discover professedly happiness, eventhough it is not what he set out for in the first place. Even though,through the events that transpire, Marner is able to get back hisstolen money, in the end, he is able to obtain a treasure far greaterthan the gold he anticipated, that is, happiness with another person. At the conclusion of the novel, Silas Marner is a man who hastransformed from a cold-hearted and lonely person, to one who hasfound fare and acceptance in ano ther.One of the major themes George Eliot employs is that of the individualversus society. Throughout the novel, Silas is contrasted to the society in which he is situated. In Lantern Yard, Silas isexcommunicated because the rest of his church does not look at in hisinnocence, and in Raveloe, Silas is seen as a crazy witch fix ofsorts. Most people feel it is safe to stay away from him, and Silas