Consider fatherhood in the novel, with particular reference to Squire Cass, Godfrey and Silas Marner

Silas Marner was published in 1861 but is concerned with events from 1780’s to 1820’s. There is a key theme which runs throughout this novel, fathers and there roles as fathers. The common factor in this novel is that Silas and Godfrey both have a role as a father figure. You could also include Squire Cass as a father figure.

First of all, the first father was Squire. He was the father of Godfrey, Dunstan Cass and also some other children. Squire Cass lost his wife in the past and the children had no mother to bring them up. So Squire Cass brings them up easily as he can. He doesn’t teach them right from wrong or good or bad. He just gives them money to spend and tells them to do what they want.

“But it was thought a weakness in the Squire that he had kept all his sons at home in idleness.” This quote was put in by the author to show how Squire Cass controls his children. Squire Cass also doesn’t influence them in a positive manner. He doesn’t spend any quality time with his children and bond. He spoils his children by indulging them with money, goods and services, but he doesn’t give any love. He lacks interest in his sons and his other children. He worries a lot about his status, reputation and the name of his family. It is not that the Squire has any time for his sons; it’s that he wastes his time. He goes to the rainbow Inn, drinks and haves a laugh. But he could spend that time with his children.

Godfrey doesn’t live Molly and his daughter. Godfrey married Molly because they were drunk and they were first time lovers. Soon Molly was addicted to alcohol and opium. The reason Godfrey didn’t live Molly was because she would ruin the family’s name if people found out she was a drug addict. That was in the past, but after that he met Nancy. Dunstan bribed Godfrey when he wanted something. He bribed Godfrey because he found out about Molly and Godfrey. When ever Dunstan wanted money or something he would threaten to tell Squire Cass if Godfrey didn’t do what ...

This is a preview of the whole essay

“I might tell the Squire how his handsome son was married to that nice young woman, Molly Farren.”

So Godfrey made a decision. He decided to make a new life with Nancy. Godfrey feels his marriage with Molly was accidental. He was young and he made a mistake. He loved Nancy so very much, and he wanted to marry her. He feels she is the perfect wife and that she will make good changes in the Red House. Godfrey doesn’t have the moral courage. He thinks a fathers’ duty is about providing for Eppie; His child. At first Godfrey doesn’t want to have children, but sixteen years later he realises life is nothing without children. Nancy and Godfrey weren’t happy about having no children.

Godfrey just thinks he can claim his child back after sixteen years. He shows total disregard for Silas’s feelings. He doesn’t think how Silas would feel after losing his daughter that he brought up with love and care. When Eppie says she wants to live with Silas, Godfrey doesn’t like that at all. Godfrey was arrogant and insensitive to everyone. And he was totally selfish. An example of Godfrey’s insensitive side is a sentence he says to Silas;

“She is my child, you only looked after her for me, and I want her back now.”

Silas is an interesting and extraordinary character. When Silas’ money was stolen, a child had arrived on his door step. He accepted this child a swap for the gold. He accepted her as a gift from God. He was not the natural farther of Eppie, but he accepts her as his own child. He loved her and she loved him. He feels like she needs him. Silas has a reason to live.

Before Eppie entered his life, he worried about his money. But now she was here, he loved her instead of his money and she loved him back. As the money didn’t love him back he has gained very valuable things. Dolly helped Silas by teaching him how to bring up a child and gave maternal input. Dolly advised Silas to punish Eppie, when she was younger, if she did anything wrong. But Silas didn’t slap her or beat her because he loved her too much. But soon he understood that he is helping her if he punishes her. He soon started to put her in coal cupboard for naughty thing that she did.

Eliot tells us that fatherhood is not just about providing money, it is about providing love and care and also time for your children. A good father would comply with the above. Godfrey gives up, and he will be unhappy for the rest of his life and live with the mistakes he made. Eppie must be wondering why her father claimed her now and not before. The answer to this helped her to make the decision to choose between Silas and Godfrey.

“I want to stay with my father, he loves me and he bought me up.”

By Veenesh Halai