Silas Marner: Character Analysis and Plot Points
Character Comparison: Godfrey and Dunstan
Compare the two brothers, Godfrey and Dunstan, focusing on their appearance and character.
- Appearance: Godfrey is described as a blond, attractive, and older man. Dunstan, the younger brother, is a big, heavy man with dark hair and is not as good-looking as Godfrey.
- Character: Godfrey is generally seen as a pleasant, kind person, though recently he appears sad and worried. Dunstan tends to drink excessively and engage in disreputable behavior when idle, and he often displays a cruel, scheming nature.
Godfrey’s Secret Marriage and Its Consequences
What had Godfrey done a few years before, and what was a result of this?
A few years before, Godfrey had secretly married Molly Farren, a poor woman who drank alcohol and took opium. They had a daughter together. As a result, he lived in constant fear that his father would find out, which would lead to him being disowned and losing his chance to marry Nancy Lammeter. Dunstan used this secret to blackmail Godfrey, making his life miserable.
Dunstan’s Theft of Silas’ Gold
Where had Silas hidden his money, and what clue helped Dunstan find it?
Silas had hidden his money under the floor near his loom, covered by stones and sand. Dunstan noticed a small pile of sand on the floor, which made him suspect that something was hidden there. Using Godfrey’s whip, he lifted the stones, found the two leather bags full of money, and stole them.
Dolly’s Comfort to Silas
How did Dolly try to comfort Silas after the theft?
Dolly tried to comfort Silas by visiting him with her young son Aaron, bringing along freshly baked biscuits. She kindly suggested that he join her at church the next day, believing that praying and singing might help him forget his troubles. Throughout her visit, she offered her support and reassured him that she was there if he ever needed anything.
Molly’s Plan for New Year’s Eve
Why was Molly going to the Red House on New Year’s Eve?
Molly was headed to the Red House because she planned to confront Godfrey at the New Year’s Eve party. She intended to announce publicly that she was Godfrey’s wife as her form of revenge and to force him to acknowledge her and their daughter.
The Arrival of Eppie
Why was Silas’ door open, and why didn’t he see the child come in?
Silas’ door was left unlocked because he had not bothered to secure it after leaving to fetch thread, confident that his money would be safe in a quiet village. Moreover, while he was opening the door that evening, he suddenly experienced one of his fits, rendering him unable to see or hear anything, including the arrival of the child.
Silas’ Reaction to Eppie
What was Silas’ first reaction when he saw the child, and how did the child affect him when he looked at her more clearly?
At first, Silas thought the soft object near the fire was his gold returned to him; he exclaimed that his gold had come back. However, when his hand met soft hair instead of coins, and he looked more closely, he was astonished to see a small child sleeping. This unexpected sight stirred in him feelings of love and warmth, rekindling memories of his happier past in Lantern Yard and reviving his faith in God and humanity.
Eppie’s Impact on Silas’ Life
Give examples of how Silas’ life changed because of the child.
He became more connected to the village and its people. He started going outside more and appreciating nature because Eppie loved the outdoors. He learned to love and care for someone deeply, replacing his lost gold with the love for Eppie. He was accepted by the villagers and became part of the community. His old fears and loneliness disappeared as he found happiness in raising Eppie.
Eppie’s Fascination with Her Origins
How did Eppie react to the stories about how Silas had found her?
Eppie was deeply interested in the stories of how Silas had found her as a child. She often asked Silas to recount the tale, showing curiosity about her origins and a strong emotional connection to Silas.
The Discovery of Dunstan’s Skeleton
What objects were found with Dunstan’s skeleton, and what did Godfrey realize from this?
With Dunstan’s skeleton, they found his watch, his whip, and Silas’ gold coins. From these items, Godfrey realized that Dunstan must have robbed Silas and then, likely due to the shock or as a result of the robbery, fell into the pond and drowned immediately.
Godfrey’s Offer and Silas’ Response
What was Godfrey’s plan for Eppie, and what was Silas’ reaction to the offer?
Godfrey and Nancy wanted to adopt Eppie and offer her a life of wealth and comfort in their home. However, Silas, though deeply moved by the offer, did not want to force Eppie into a decision and left the choice up to her. Silas acknowledged that losing Eppie would devastate him, but he would accept her decision if she chose to go with Godfrey.