George Eliot’s “Silas Marner” is set in the early 19th century. This novel is published in 1861 but is concerned with events from 1780s to 1820s making it a historical novel to some extent. There was a reference made to Napoleonic war that contributes to the time period this novel took place. In the first chapter, two places where depicted as the setting at different points of time. The Story is set mainly in Raveloe, although it also describes Lantern Yard when we learn about Silas's past.
At the opening of the novel, Eliot tries to make the setting distanced from the readers. The time, physical setting and characters of the fictional village of Raveloe is obviously unfamiliar to the readers. Readers are then introduced to the lifestyles of 19th century workers, peasants and villagers who belong to the Victorian society in England. As the novel continues, Eliot starts unfolding story of a local enigmatic linen-weaver, Silas Marner, who is alienated from the society. The opening line of the story, “In the days when…” is a vivid description of a past norm with a fairy-tale quality which is possibly interchangeable with “once upon a time”. This foreshadows a fairy tale story with an upcoming conflict which will later be resolved resulting in a “happily ever after” ending.
