Discuss the Importance of the Theme of Duty in George Eliot's novel Silas Marner In the novel Silas Marner it can be seen that duty is a highly relevant and significant theme. The

Authors Avatar

English coursework                Hemali Amin

Discuss the Importance of the Theme of Duty in George Eliot’s novel Silas Marner

In the novel Silas Marner it can be seen that duty is a highly relevant and significant theme. The author, George Eliot, illustrates this through the characters and plot in various ways. The meaning of duty is when a person shows consideration and responsibility for others.

In Silas Marner, many of the characters have duties for various other characters. It can be seen that Godfrey Cass has many duties to people like Molly, Eppie, Nancy, Squire Cass and Dunstan. Silas and Eppie have a two – way relationship, where they have a duty to one another. Similar to Godfrey, Dunstan has a duty to Godfrey and Squire Cass. It seems possible that Eppie may have a duty to Godfrey.

Some of these characters honour their duty, e.g. Silas and Eppie. However, others neglect their duty, e.g. Godfrey. These people will either be punished or rewarded in the future for fulfilling or not fulfilling their duty.

From the beginning of the novel Silas Marner it can be seen that there are characters neglecting their duty. This is found through the character of William Dane. William Dane was a friend of Silas Marner whilst he was living in Lantern Yard. When an incident arose about the theft of church money from a church official, Silas Marner was brought into questioning. Being Silas Marner’s highly respectable companion, Silas Marner expected William Dane to be there for him. However, William Dane went against him and didn’t serve his duty as a friend.

Join now!

Another character who did not serve his duty is a brother in the Cass family, Dunstan Cass who is an irresponsible character. He blackmails his brother for money, which his brother does not have: ‘I tell you I have no money: I can get no money’ (Godfrey speaking)

Borrow of old Kimble’ (Dunstan speaking)

I tell you, he won’t lend me any more, and I shan’t ask him’ (Godfrey speaking)

Well, then, sell Wildfire’ (Dunstan speaking).

Dunstan is a thief and has no respect; this is recognisable as Dunstan knows that Godfrey loves his horse, Wildfire, very much. Yet ...

This is a preview of the whole essay