George Eliot was the pseudonym of Mary Ann Evans, a famous Victorian novelist and poet who had a lasting impact on English literature alongside her contemporaries Charles Dickens, William Thackeray and Thomas Hardy. She was born on November 22, 1819.
She lived a scandalous life at a time when women had to conform to strict conventions, writing progressive and forward-looking novels, editing groundbreaking journals, and cohabiting with her lover despite society’s harsh condemnation. A word genius, she coined terms like “lawn tennis” and “pop” to refer to popular music and gave words like “browser” their modern meaning.
Here are some of his works that have immortalized his name in the pages of English literature.
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Micheal Gorra, exploring possible reasons why Middle-walk was voted Britain’s greatest novel in the BBC Culture poll said that “If you read this novel, you will discover who you are”.
Eliot displays his tremendous gift for characterization in Middle-walkWhere A study of provincial life, portraying nuanced and complex characters with their unique merits and flaws. It is a compelling study of the human psyche.
Symposium on the role of literature in freedom of movement
THE MILL ON THE FLOSS
Eliot’s most autobiographical novel draws inspiration from his own complex relationship with his brother. Its depiction of the Tulliber siblings is vital and sympathetic and although their bond is strained at times, the moments they share are wholesome and have reminded many readers of the solace they derive from the love of their siblings. . The ending is sure to make the toughest of hearts weep.
Source: The Times
SILAS MARNER
Eliot packs into this seemingly simple story of a village weaver and his adopted child a whole range of meanings. The novel presents an empathetic portrayal of an isolated individual who is shunned as an outcast and how he finds solace in caring for another. Often read allegorically, the novel also offers an extremely sophisticated critique of industrialization, capitalism, changing communal values, and organized religion.
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