SUGGESTIONS FOR STUDY

CHAPTER I. The methods of George Eliot should be compared at every stage with those of Scott. The difference appears at once. Scott is eager to make a picture, to show externals. George Eliot seeks the very heart of her characters for the motives of action. She tries to bring her readers into sympathy with innermost feelings and thoughts. Her ability to put herself in the place of another is also manifest. She can be the peasant with all his limitations and superstitions, and can see Silas Marner from the peasant's point of view. Her method in bringing out character should be carefully noted the peasant's view of Silas, followed by her own careful explanation of the real nature of the man and of the circumstances of his life which had helped to fashion his character. The method is both descriptive and analytical. What has the false accusation and condemnation of Silas to do with the plot? Notice the author's tendency to philosophize; the facts of her story lead her constantly to make general reflections on life and character.

This

CHAPTER II. George Eliot is able to put herself in a miser's place, and think as he does about money. power of putting one's self in the place of another, of thinking his thoughts and living his life, is one of the secrets of creative writing; it is also one of the secrets of intelligent reading, by which we are able to enlarge our experience through books, and also to find the secret of successful dealing with men in real life. Chapters I and II are introductory; they establish a definite situation and certain moral conditions which are the starting point of the story. Silas Marner is a man seemingly shut off from all real contact and sympathy with his fellows. The rest of the book will show how such a person can be redeemed and his character developed. Why

does the author introduce the incident in regard to the pitcher? George Eliot's philosophical tendencies lead her to use many unfamiliar words. Look them up in a dictionary, and so enlarge your vocabulary.

CHAPTER III. This chapter brings in a new plot element. There are two stories, the Marner story and the Cass story. Note how these stories go on side by side, and watch for points of contact. Make a note of the chapters which treat the Marner story only; the Cass story only; and both together. Ask yourself if one is subordinate to the other.

In this chapter, character is brought out, not so much by description and analysis as by letting the person talk, i.e., by dialogue. Effective dialogue should reveal the character of the speakers and at the same time advance the story. Does this dialogue do so? Notice how skillfully the author is able to get inside of Godfrey's mind and analyze it. What is the great weakness of Godfrey's character?

CHAPTER IV. In this chapter, character is brought out not so much by description or by dialogue as by action. Find further examples of this method of portraying character. Why did George Eliot not have Dunstan give up Wildfire when the bargain was struck? Do Dunstan's actions grow out of his character? Is he, for instance, a person who might be expected to steal, and does the author show carefully the mental process by which Dunstan brought himself to commit the act? Where is the stealing of Marner's money first hinted at?

CHAPTER V. Explain how passion is here portrayed through action. Get the situation clearly in mind and try to enter into it as sympathetically as George Eliot does.

CHAPTERS VI AND VII. The scene at the Rainbow is a good example of George Eliot's tendency to deal with actual

life. This conversation is justly famous. The people are real country people; their characters are well distinguished; and they talk their proper provincial dialect — a dialect of which George Eliot was master. Distinguish each character by an appropriate adjective. What has this chapter to do with the plot? What do you understand by "dramatic"? Do you see how this is a very dramatic way of announcing the robbery of Marner? Be on the watch for other dramatic scenes. Mark the beginning of the process by which Marner gets back into sympathetic relations with his fellow-men. Note any humorous touches. Are the details arranged to lead up to a climax?

CHAPTER VIII. What information is here given regarding the character of Godfrey Cass? What method is used? The first part of the chapter is an admirable example of how the minds of ordinary villagers work. Can you find flaws in their reasoning?

CHAPTER IX. What does this chapter tell us of the character of the Squire? What methods are used? Does the chapter serve any other purpose?

CHAPTER X. Explain Mr. Macey's characteristic lack of tact. What is tact? Why is Mrs. Winthrop introduced? CHAPTER XI. Notice that the New Year's party is worked out in very careful detail not particularly for story purposes for the story movement here is very slow but for the purpose of showing nice discrimination in the study of character and for the purpose of interpreting life. There is much conversation here. Compare it with Chapter VI to see if there is a difference in language corresponding to the difference in social condition of the two companies. Determine some of the requirements of good conversation? Explain, in clear language, your opinion of Nancy, citing passages to support your idea.

CHAPTER XII. Notice the striking contrast between Chapters XI and XII. How has Chapter XII been prepared for? What use is made of the fact that Silas is subject to catalepsy? Why is his eyesight made defective? Do the events of this chapter seem as inevitable as the other events of the book?

CHAPTER XIII. In a good novel, the action should arise inevitably out of the character of the persons concerned. This is said to be one of George Eliot's great merits. From what you have learned of Godfrey's character, could you have predicted his action here? (Give reasons.) Is he a moral coward? (Discuss.) Notice how the human sympathies of Silas have been aroused. Why was the child made to have golden hair?

CHAPTER XIV. This chapter is important because it treats very directly with the central theme of the book, the bringing back of Silas into sympathy with the human world. George Eliot's text seems to be, "A little child shall lead them." Notice how she brings out the point at the end of the chapter. Do the events here seem to you real and natural? (Explain.)

CHAPTER XV. What is your opinion of Godfrey's conduct? Is he trifling with his conscience? (Give reasons.) If the story is true to human experience, must sorrow be brought upon him for his moral weakness? What, in your opinion, would have been the right thing for Godfrey to do? From your knowledge of the characters, can you predict what would have happened if Godfrey had acknowledged the child as his, and had taken it home with him? What attitude would Nancy have taken? How would that action on his part have interfered with the theme of the book?

CHAPTER XVI. Why is it necessary to have a considerable time elapse? Tell what has taken place in Silas Marner's

condition during the time. How did you find it out? Where is there a hint that his money will be found? Point out from the book other cases of foreshadowing. The careful detail with which this and similar chapters are written can be understood only when you keep in mind that the theme of the book is the development of Marner's character.

CHAPTER XVII. Have you the same opinion of Nancy that Godfrey expresses? If not, what is your opinion? How would she have acted had Godfrey told her the truth about Eppie? Godfrey is now beginning to feel the inevitable results of his misconduct and moral weakness. Go back and trace in the fortunes of Godfrey the way in which the author works out the text, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." How does this chapter prepare for the next?

CHAPTER XVIII. This chapter is intensely dramatic, yet there is almost no action. The tragedy lies in the play of character upon character, passion upon passion, all ruled by an inevitable fate. The situation is not physical, but mental, moral, spiritual. In this, George Eliot shows a power very different from the power of story-telling merely. She shows that she can appreciate and interpret the deepest experiences of the mind and heart. Could you have predicted Nancy's attitude? Study the book in comparison with Ivanhoe until you see clearly the difference between a story of adventure and an interpretation of life.

CHAPTER XIX. What makes Godfrey such a blunderer? Is it not partly at least because he is unable to look at things from any other point of view than his own? How many people of your acquaintance have this power of putting themselves in the place of others and looking at things from their point of view? Notice how careful the author is to impress her idea that men cannot get away from the results of their