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Silas Marner: the plot
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George Eliot's 1861 novel tells how a lonely weaver who has lost everything is saved by the love of a child.
Lantern Yard and Raveloe
Silas Marner, a weaver in a strict chapel community called Lantern Yard, is falsely accused of theft. His friend William Dane has framed him. The congregation draws lots, which declare Silas guilty, and his fiancee Sarah marries William.
Losing his faith, Silas moves to the village of Raveloe and lives alone for fifteen years, weaving and hoarding gold.
Losing his faith, Silas moves to the village of Raveloe and lives alone for fifteen years, weaving and hoarding gold.
Loss and gain
Dunstan (Dunsey) Cass, the squire's wicked younger son, steals Silas's gold and disappears.
His brother Godfrey Cass is secretly married to Molly Farren, who is addicted to opium. On New Year's Eve, Molly dies in the snow, and her toddler wanders into Silas's cottage. Silas mistakes her golden hair for his gold.
Godfrey keeps silent. Silas adopts the child and names her Eppie.
His brother Godfrey Cass is secretly married to Molly Farren, who is addicted to opium. On New Year's Eve, Molly dies in the snow, and her toddler wanders into Silas's cottage. Silas mistakes her golden hair for his gold.
Godfrey keeps silent. Silas adopts the child and names her Eppie.
Sixteen years later
Eppie is a loving young woman. The stone-pit is drained, revealing Dunstan's body and Silas's gold.
Godfrey, married to Nancy Lammeter but childless, confesses and asks to take Eppie. She refuses and chooses Silas.
Eppie marries Aaron Winthrop, and Silas finds happiness.
Godfrey, married to Nancy Lammeter but childless, confesses and asks to take Eppie. She refuses and chooses Silas.
Eppie marries Aaron Winthrop, and Silas finds happiness.
How does Eliot link Eppie to the lost gold?
- Silas first mistakes Eppie's golden hair for his gold.
- She arrives soon after the gold is stolen.
- She replaces cold gold with warm love.
Answer: Eppie's golden hair links her to the gold, showing that love has replaced money as his treasure.
False accusation in Lantern Yard, fifteen years of hoarding in Raveloe, Dunstan steals the gold, Molly dies and Eppie arrives, Silas raises Eppie, the gold is found, Godfrey confesses, and Eppie chooses Silas.
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