Reading 1001 discussion

2. What kind of person is Silas Marner? How is he viewed by others? Are their views justified?

What other characteristics of Marner do you note?

Silas is a loner and a miser. He moves to the Midlands and isolates himself after being wrongly accused of theft. He had no choice but to leave his former home since he was betrayed by those once close to him and was perceived as a dishonest thief. He is mistrusted and viewed as an outsider by the locals in his new residence since he comes from far away and lives alone. He is also thought to be in league with the devil due to using herbs to help a woman with an illness.

He gains sympathy from the community to a certain extent after his gold is stolen. Their attitudes change even more after he adopts Eppie. They treat him with more kindness and he, in turn, begins to interact more with the community.

Silas is a man with physical limitations and a strong sense of right who withdraws from society after he is betrayed by those closest to him. The drawing of the lots that convicts him in his community's eyes also leaves Silas feeling betrayed by God. The views of the elders at the Yard are justified within their belief system, though subconsciously, they likely are ready to believe the handsome, well-built William over the short, google-eyed, short-sighted Silas.

The folks of Raveloe are much less justified in their treatment and views of Silas. Though reclusive outsiders in small close knit communities will often be viewed suspiciously.