Silas Marner: Context

George Eliot- Mary Ann Evans: Known by her pen name George Eliot, Mary Ann Evans was a prominent Victorian novelist noted for her realism and psychological insight, both of which are evident in Silas Marner.
Religion and Secularisation: Eliot explores themes of religion and secularisation in Silas Marner, presenting the protagonist’s journey from devout faith to disillusionment and finally to a secular form of spirituality.
Social Class: Through the depictions of Silas Marner, Squire Cass, Godfrey Cass, and Eppie, Eliot provides a critique of the class system in Victorian England.
William Wordsworth and the Epigraph: The epigraph chosen by Eliot for Silas Marner is a line from a William Wordsworth poem that encapsulates the novel’s theme of finding personal fulfilment through simple, pastoral life.
Pastoral Genre: Silas Marner exemplifies the use of Pastoral genre, highlighting the virtue of rural life and simplicity, interwoven with the harsh realities and sins of country folk.
Rustic Realism: The novel is rooted in rustic realism, as it vividly and accurately represents the life, character, and dialect of the villagers in Raveloe, thus highlighting the contrast between city and rural life.
Industrialisation: Through the conflict between Lantern Yard and Raveloe, Silas Marner explores the impacts of industrialisation on rural life and communities in the 19th century.
Capitalism: Eliot uses the character of Marner and his initial obsession with gold to critique excessive capitalism, but eventually demonstrates a balance between wealth and personal fulfilment at the end.