Silas Marner Research Paper

In George Eliot’s book, Silas Marner, there are many things that bring out the good and bad sides in people. The good sides can be referred to as the “light” and the bad as the “darkness”. As the story progresses, Silas Marner’s “light” parts change and that causes him to change for the better. In the book, Lantern Yard, his faith in God, money, gold, Dolly Winthrop, and Eppie are all considered to be the light in Silas. Without these things, Silas Marner wouldn’t have very much to live for. The very first source of “light” in Silas Marner’s life is Lantern Yard. One reason Lantern Yard is a light in his life is because it shows that he has a strong belief in God and that gives him hope. Another reason that Lantern Yard is a light is because being a part of Lantern Yard helps him to be accepted by the Church and the community. One example of this is when Eliot writes, “Marner was highly thought of in that little hidden
The most obvious source of light in Silas’ life is Eppie. When Silas sees Eppie for the first time, it instantly reminds him of past source of light, the money, showing that he sees her as something to cherish and love. When she comes into his life, Silas gets more connected with the community. Another reason she is a source of light is because she is able to help him find God again and she makes Silas feel like a father. Eliot is able to demonstrate this when he writes, “It clung around his neck, and burst louder and louder into the mingling of inarticulate cries with mammy by which little children express the bewilderment of waking” (Eliot 92). A father’s daughter is always a source of light. Silas Marner had many things that gave him hope and were his source of light. In the beginning it was Lantern Yard and the church. Then, it was the gold and money, and after that it was Dolly. Eppie was Silas’ final source of light and she truly brought out the best parts of