In spite of the outrage occasioned by her personal life, George Eliot's novels were the most popular fictions of her time. Her vivid evocation of place, lively and sympathetic characters, realistic dramatisation of moral dilemmas and deep understanding of people brought her a devoted readership. A successful writer in her own age, Eliot remains one of the most widely read of Victorian novelists.
In this essential volume, Mike Edwards guides students through Eliot's most popular novels: The Mill on the Floss, Silas Marner and Middlemarch. The first part of the book provides detailed analyses of extracts groupe by themes, including relationships, society and morality, whilst at the end of each chapter a 'Methods' section offers ideas for independent study. The second part describes Eliot's biographical, cultural and intellectual contexts and gives readings of sample criticism of her three major novels. Through detailed study, readers are invited to explore for themselves the richness and subtlety of Eliot's prose, and share in the pleasure of discovering the remarkable range of comedy and passion in the work of one of our greatest writers.