Gold. Gold, glimmering in the firelight, is a lovely sight, but can it fill the deep longing all human beings have for companionship and belonging?
In the rural English village of Raveloe lives a recluse weaver Silas Marner. The villagers think he is mysterious and strange. He has only lived in Raveloe fifteen years and he keeps to himself. He is known to have unusual fits, and his eyes are large.
Falsely accused of stealing, Silas Marner finds refuge in Raveloe from his old church congregation. Withdrawn from the world that has wounded him, Marner's only joy in life comes from selling his wares and counting his beloved gold coins. It takes another robbery and a tragedy to bring the solitary man into a world of warmth, companionship, and hope. And just when Silas Marner needs a miracle, a miracle comes to him and transforms his life forever.
The old weaver, though, isn't the only person with troubles in Raveloe. While Silas Marner is the main character, an interesting subplot revolves around the upper class Cass family: a subplot that frequently entertwines with the main one.
Squire Cass is Marner's landlord. His pocket book is strained, and his two sons are also hard up for "ready cash." Dunstin, the younger, gambles and drinks away his allowance, while Godfrey spends his in quite another fashion. He is secretly married to a woman who lives in another town. He has made a disgraceful alliance. He is not proud of his wife and he cannot make his marriage known to anyone. Dunstin knows of his brother's dilemma, and he uses this information to his advantage. Godfrey spends his allowance secretly caring for his wife, a drunk, and their daughter and bribing his unscrupulous brother. To make matters worse for Godfrey, he is in love with Raveloe's Nancy Lamiter. Her father is well to do and his land borders the Cass's. Mr. Cass is pressuring Godfrey to propose to Nancy, but Godfrey must miserably reject the very idea that would make him happy.
Driven close to the breaking point and lacking moral courage, Godfrey recklessly agrees to let Dunstin take his horse to be sold to cover his debts. Unreliable Dunstin makes several poor choices that eventually turn the entire tide of the story.
This tale is full of warm, colorful characters. It is relatively short, compared to other works of literature of that day. If you are unfamiliar with Victorian literature, I highly recommend this story as an introduction to this delightful genre. Like Dicken's "A Christmas Carol," it is not long and it speaks to the heart. "Silas Marner the Weaver of Raveloe" is a tale of friendship, taking responsibility for a one's actions, and overcoming bitterness.
In the rural English village of Raveloe lives a recluse weaver Silas Marner. The villagers think he is mysterious and strange. He has only lived in Raveloe fifteen years and he keeps to himself. He is known to have unusual fits, and his eyes are large.
Falsely accused of stealing, Silas Marner finds refuge in Raveloe from his old church congregation. Withdrawn from the world that has wounded him, Marner's only joy in life comes from selling his wares and counting his beloved gold coins. It takes another robbery and a tragedy to bring the solitary man into a world of warmth, companionship, and hope. And just when Silas Marner needs a miracle, a miracle comes to him and transforms his life forever.
The old weaver, though, isn't the only person with troubles in Raveloe. While Silas Marner is the main character, an interesting subplot revolves around the upper class Cass family: a subplot that frequently entertwines with the main one.
Squire Cass is Marner's landlord. His pocket book is strained, and his two sons are also hard up for "ready cash." Dunstin, the younger, gambles and drinks away his allowance, while Godfrey spends his in quite another fashion. He is secretly married to a woman who lives in another town. He has made a disgraceful alliance. He is not proud of his wife and he cannot make his marriage known to anyone. Dunstin knows of his brother's dilemma, and he uses this information to his advantage. Godfrey spends his allowance secretly caring for his wife, a drunk, and their daughter and bribing his unscrupulous brother. To make matters worse for Godfrey, he is in love with Raveloe's Nancy Lamiter. Her father is well to do and his land borders the Cass's. Mr. Cass is pressuring Godfrey to propose to Nancy, but Godfrey must miserably reject the very idea that would make him happy.
Driven close to the breaking point and lacking moral courage, Godfrey recklessly agrees to let Dunstin take his horse to be sold to cover his debts. Unreliable Dunstin makes several poor choices that eventually turn the entire tide of the story.
This tale is full of warm, colorful characters. It is relatively short, compared to other works of literature of that day. If you are unfamiliar with Victorian literature, I highly recommend this story as an introduction to this delightful genre. Like Dicken's "A Christmas Carol," it is not long and it speaks to the heart. "Silas Marner the Weaver of Raveloe" is a tale of friendship, taking responsibility for a one's actions, and overcoming bitterness.
