Middlemarch by George Eliot

Middlemarch by George Eliot
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Eliot’s novel perfectly illustrates nineteenth century values of life in the provinces; the disvalue of education and politics, the need to find hobbies for the idle, the fear of women meddling in the affairs of men. Learned men remain as professional as possible; even making marriage proposals in the form a letter; which justifies Dorothea’s need to seek an alternative lover. Gossip is king as always; demonstrated by Mrs Cadwallader who likes to remain in political circles for this very reason. The arrival of Lydgate is the instant talk of the town owing to his being eye candy by the female characters. His association with Mr. Bulstrode is a remarkable commentary on the nineteenth century healthcare system and Eliot’s efforts to improve it. The fact that Lydgate remains a bachelor creates much suspense within the novel; since he would be the preferable lover for Dorothea. However, Dorothea’s needs are for power and influence and is a form of escapism for her provincial life.

View all my reviews