Silas Marner facts for kids
First edition title page.
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| Author | George Eliot |
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| Country | England |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | William Blackwood and Sons |
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Publication date
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April 1861 |
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Silas Marner: The Weaver of Raveloe is a novel by George Eliot. It is her third novel. It was first published in 1861. It tells the story of Silas Marner, a lonely linen weaver. The book shows how love and community can change a person's life.
Contents
The Story of Silas Marner
The story begins with Silas Marner. He is a weaver from a town called Lantern Yard. Silas is a good and religious man. He is also very trusting of his friends.
A Sad Betrayal
One day, Silas is falsely accused of theft. His best friend, William Dane, frames him. Silas is heartbroken and loses his faith. He decides to leave Lantern Yard forever.
Life in Raveloe
Silas moves to a new village named Raveloe. He becomes a lonely and isolated man. He works hard as a weaver. Silas starts to hoard all his gold coins. He loves his gold more than anything. It is his only comfort.
The Missing Gold
One night, Silas's gold is stolen. He is devastated. He feels even more alone than before. The villagers try to help him. This is the first time Silas feels a connection to others in Raveloe.
The Arrival of Eppie
A little girl named Eppie wanders into Silas's cottage. Her mother, Molly Farren, has died in the snow. Molly was the secret wife of Godfrey Cass, a rich young man in Raveloe. Godfrey is Eppie's father.
A New Kind of Love
Silas decides to keep Eppie. He raises her as his own daughter. Eppie brings joy and love into his life. She helps him open up to the world again. Silas learns that human connections are more valuable than gold.
Eppie's Choice
Years later, Godfrey Cass tries to claim Eppie. He wants her to live with him. But Eppie chooses to stay with Silas. She loves Silas as her true father. This shows the strong bond they share.
Main Characters
The novel has several important characters. They help to tell the story of change and community.
Silas Marner
Silas is the main character. He starts as a kind, trusting man. After being betrayed, he becomes bitter and lonely. He loves only his gold. But Eppie's arrival transforms him. He learns to love and trust again.
Eppie
Eppie is a young girl who changes Silas's life. She is cheerful and loving. She brings happiness and purpose to Silas. Eppie represents hope and new beginnings.
Godfrey Cass
Godfrey is a wealthy young man. He is Eppie's biological father. He makes many mistakes in his youth. He is often weak and indecisive. Godfrey struggles with his past choices.
Themes in the Novel
Silas Marner explores several important ideas. These ideas help us understand the story better.
Loneliness and Community
The book shows how lonely Silas is at first. He isolates himself from others. But the people of Raveloe eventually welcome him. The story highlights the importance of being part of a community.
The Power of Love
Love is a central theme. Silas's love for Eppie changes him completely. It helps him overcome his past pain. This love makes him a happy and fulfilled person.
Money and Happiness
Silas believes his gold will make him happy. But it only makes him more isolated. The story teaches that true happiness comes from relationships, not from wealth.
About the Author
Silas Marner was written by George Eliot. This was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans. She was a famous English writer. She wrote many important novels in the 1800s. Her books often explore moral questions and human nature.
Images for kids
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"Silas finds Eppie"
See also
In Spanish: Silas Marner para niños
