Silas Marner
by George Eliot
I. Introduction
A. George Eliot
1. her life
2. her marriage
3. her philosophy
B. Silas as Parable:
II. The Themes
A. Psychological
1. importance of the soul
2. search for identity
3. importance of love
II. The themes--Psychological
3. importance of love
4. Importance of work
II. The Themes
B. Social
1. Love of others vs love of money
2. Marxist – what does the book say about
money and power, who has it, who doesn’t,
and why
II. The themes
C. Archetypal / Universal – the religious and
moral theme
1. Karma – morality and
natural consequences
2. Nature
3. Religion (true religion vs false religion)
III. The Setting
1. Lantern Yard
2. Raveloe
3. Squire Cass’ House
4. The tavern
5. Silas’ cottage
IV. The Characters—men’s moral
trilogy
A. Silas Marner
B. Godfrey
C. Dunsey
IV. The Characters—women’s
moral trilogy
D. Eppie
E. Molly
F. Dolly Winthrop
V. Symbolism
A. The loom / weaving
B. Nature (and natural stuff
[insects, flora, etc)
c. Gold (money and Eppie)
V. Symbolism
4. Horses
5. The hearth
6. Eyesight
7. The cottage and the open door
8. Silas’ fits
VI. Conclusion
A. George Eliot and the relation between
intelligence, beauty, and morality
b. The Relation between morality and joy
c. Why Silas Marner is still a great book and
still relevant today