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Silas Marner

by George Eliot

Silas Marner

Silas Marner, published in 1861, is a dramatic novel following the life of Silas Marner and his path from embittered outsider to proud father and respected citizen.

Source: Eliot, G. (1861). Silas Marner. London, England: William Blackwood and Sons.

Part 1, Chapter 1
Silas Marner, a respected resident of lantern Yard, is wrongfully accused of theft.
Part 1, Chapter 2
Silas isolates himself from all companionship, focusing on his work instead.
Part 1, Chapter 3
The reader is introduced to Squire Cass' two sons, Dunstan and Godfrey.
Part 1, Chapter 4
Godfrey fears that his secret will be discovered by his father. After an accident at the hunt, Dunstan pays a visit to Silas' cottage.
Part 1, Chapter 5
Silas finds things are amiss after returning to the cottage and sets off to the village for help.
Part 1, Chapter 6
Some of the villagers gather at the Rainbow, where the landlord is resolving a dispute.
Part 1, Chapter 7
Silas appearance at the Rainbow surprises the farrier. Silas tells his story to the group.
Part 1, Chapter 8
With all the evidence of the crime destroyed, the villagers continue to search for a suspect. Godfrey discovers what has happened to his horse.
Part 1, Chapter 9
The Squire confronts Godfrey, inquiring about the money he is owed and Dunstan's whereabouts.
Part 1, Chapter 10
The robbery continues to bring kindness and sympathy to Silas' door. Godrey looks forward to seeing Nancy once again, but still worries that Dunstan will return to Raveloe.
Part 1, Chapter 11
The reader is introduced some additional members of the Lammeter family. Godfrey makes a request of Nancy at the Christmas dance.
Part 1, Chapter 12
Molly and her child head for Raveloe, with the intention of revealing Godrey's secret. Silas awakens to find an uninvited guest in his home.
Part 1, Chapter 13
Silas inquires about the identity of the child at the Christmas dance. Silas makes a decision concerning the child, viewing her as a gift rather than a burden.
Part 1, Chapter 14
Molly is laid to rest. Silas' decision is cause for further sympathy from the villagers. Dolly Winthrop lends a hand.
Part 1, Chapter 15
Eppie continues to bring great joy to Silas. Godfrey continues his courtship of Nancy.
Part 2, Chapter 16
Eppie, now eighteen, and Silas discuss many plans for the future.
Part 2, Chapter 17
After a discussion with Priscilla, Nancy fears she is cause of Godfrey's disappointment.
Part 2, Chapter 18
A discovery is made at the stone pits. Godfrey divulges his secret to Nancy.
Part 2, Chapter 19
Godfrey and Nancy arrive at Silas' cottage attempting to make amends for the past.
Part 2, Chapter 20
Godfrey, although disappointed by her decision, resolves to help Eppie in any way he can.
Part 2, Chapter 21
Silas pays a visit to Lantern Yard, and is surprised by what he sees.
Conclusion
With all the villagers in attendance except one, Eppie marries Aaron.
  • Year Published: 1861
  • Language: English
  • Country of Origin: England
  • Readability:
    • Flesch–Kincaid Level: 12.0
  • Word Count: 77,179
  • Genre: Realism
  • Keywords: 19th century literature, british literature
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