George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, is renowned for her novel 'Middlemarch', which dissects the intricacies of Victorian society, marriage, and the status of women. The narrative weaves through the lives of characters like Dorothea Brooke and Tertius Lydgate, set against the backdrop of the English Midlands. Eliot's work offers a critical look at gender roles, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment during the 19th century.
Show More
George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, a distinguished author of the Victorian era
Evans' comprehensive education and access to a vast array of books cultivated her love for classical and contemporary literature
Despite facing social ostracism due to her relationship with a married man, Evans' successful writing career provided her with financial independence
"Middlemarch" is set in the fictitious town of Middlemarch during the years 1829 to 1832, against the backdrop of social change and political upheaval in England
The novel presents a tapestry of interconnected lives, with characters such as Dorothea Brooke, Tertius Lydgate, and the Vincy siblings, whose personal ambitions and relationships explore societal expectations
Through the contrasting experiences of Dorothea and Rosamond, the novel critiques the limitations and societal expectations placed on women in the institution of marriage
The community of Middlemarch is portrayed as a microcosm of Victorian society, with its own character and influence on the lives of its inhabitants
Eliot explores the entrenched class structures and resistance to change in small-town life, which dictate the behavior and aspirations of her characters
The narrative demonstrates how the desire to uphold one's social reputation often governs personal decisions, affecting marriage choices and career paths