Silas Marner: A Critique of Nineteenth Century English Society

Abstract

George Eliot’s Silas Marner reflects the decadent life of the nineteenth century English society. The transformation of rural agrarian societies to the urban industrialized one, swept away the ideals and values of the earlier societies. Silas’s alienation and his disbelief towards religion and humanity persuade him to acquire more wealth, which becomes his only pleasure. Squire Cass’ complacency and selfishness, shows how indifferent he is from his own community. Godfrey by not acknowledging his wife and daughter presents himself as moral bankrupt, and Dunsey’s attempt to earn money by illicit means, symbolizes the increasing greed among the peoples. With the progress of industrialization and urbanization, the values of humanity and societal norms seemed to be drifting away.