Silas Marner
by George Eliot
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.