Silas Marner

The Gentle Linen Weaver

Jillian Stella

George Eliot began Silas Marner in November of 1860. The novel was not completed until March 10, 1861. Silas Marner teaches us to love unconditionally and to act responsibly. Silas is deceived by animosity, lust, and greed, but is saved from self-pity by meeting a newborn during the Christmas holidays. The story illustrates what is remarkable in the lives of ordinary men and women.

Silas Marner was a linen weaver with “…large brown protuberant eyes and a pale face” (Eliot 2). He has the knowledge of pharmacist and has his friends wondering whether he possesses unearthly powers. “Silas Marner could cure folks’ rheumatism if he had a mind…he might save you the cost of the doctor. But for the villagers near whom he had come to settle it had mysterious peculiarities" (Eliot 3). Silas looks strange to the villagers because their experience and vision is limited , but we novel readers, know better! The pre-Industrial Revolution farmers are used to seeing the rich, cheerful farmers rather than the pale, factory workers from Silas Marner. But in Raveloe, Silas stands out like a vegetarian at a steakhouse. Since Silas was born, he's been part of a loving, supporting environment. He worked hard for little money, but had friends and neighbors, and the respect of his community. Being kicked out of his community destroys Silas's spirit. All he can do is what he does best, weave. Even work corrupts him. The loom makes sounds that no one's ever heard before, machine-driven noises rather than the "natural cheerful trotting of the winnowing machine or the simpler rhythm of the flail" (Eliot 2).

The eldest son of Squire Cass, Mr. Godfey is a “fine, open-faced, good-natured young man” (Eliot 22). Making moral decisions is beyond his character. Godfrey does not make one individual decision throughout the entire book. Silas determines to adopt Eppie, whereas, Mr. Godfrey is jostled between other characters. This means he...