Loneliness in George Elliot’s Silas Marner

1302 Words6 Pages
Nathan Coleman Mrs. Beth Oliver Honors English IV September 27, 2013 Loneliness in George Elliot’s Silas Marner Loneliness is portrayed in many different ways in George Elliot’s Silas Marner. Loneliness can be seen by analyzing Silas’ and Godfrey’s life. Although loneliness is not the main factor of the book, many of its’ characteristics can be found. Silas is betrayed by his best friend and framed for a crime that he did not commit. Godfrey suffers from his own internal guilt of the secrets that he keeps from his wife, Nancy. The Loneliness found in the book consists of many internal and external conflicts of the characters found in the book. There are many different forms of loneliness in George Elliot’s Silas Marner. Silas first experiences loneliness when he is betrayed by his best friend, William Dane. Later on, Silas even believes that god has betrayed him as well and believes that there is no righteous god. “There is no just God that governs the earth righteously, but a god of lies, that bears witness against the innocent” (Elliot 18). Silas says this out of anger, yet there is no doubt that he feels neglect from God. Silas is a very religious man, so it is much unexpected that he pushes God away in such a manner. Feeling neglect and betrayal from god, Silas becomes lonely internally and also becomes depressed. Silas tries to fight against William, but he gives up and allows the authorities to take advantage of him. Silas’s best friend, William Dane, Whom Silas trusted more than anybody else, frames Silas into committing a crime. Authorities charge Silas for a murder using a specific knife. The authorities find the knife in a drawer in Silas’s house. Though it seems that Silas is guilty, Silas and William both know what really happened. “The last time I remember using my knife is when I took it out to cut a strap for. I do not remember me putting it
Open Document