Silas Marner

Analysis

Lawrence Jay Dessner has drawn connections between the biographical circumstances of Eliot's life in relation to events in the novel.[1] Bruce K. Martin has discussed Eliot's use of Godfrey Cass as "both parallel and foil" to Silas Marner in the structure of the novel.[2] Fred C. Thomson has examined the multiple levels of the idea of alienation in the novel.[3] Joseph Wiesenfarth has noted undercurrents of myth and legend, incorporated into a 'realistic' context, along with contrasts of responsible and irresponsible behaviour in the contrasting fates of Silas Marner and the Cass brothers.[4] David Sonstroem has studied ideas of chance and Darwinian thinking in the context of the plot and character fates in the novel.[5] Susan Stewart has looked at the influence of folktales and ideology related to 'work' vs 'labour' in the novel.[6] Ian Milner has examined two overarching themes of Silas Marner's 'loss and recovery of his humanity', and of a conflict between stated moral values and the social realities juxtaposed with them.[7] Robert H. Dunham has analysed the influence of the ideas and philosophy of William Wordsworth on the novel.[8] Brian Swann has examined mythic and religious undertones in the novel.[9] Jeff Nunokawa analyses ideas about physical touch, with respect to Silas Marner's handling of his gold compared to his raising of Eppie, and connects them to sexual and sensual themes.[10] Kate E. Brown has discussed overarching themes of time and temporality, with respect to the interlocked stories of Godfrey Cass and Silas Marner.[11]


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