“A child, more than all other gifts that earth can offer to declining man, brings hope with it, and forward- looking thoughts.” - William Wordsworth This is the epilogue for Silas Marner. What is the purpose of an epilogue? What could this epilogue possibly mean?

“The lapse of time during which a given event has not happened is, in this logic of habit, constantly alleged as a reason why the event should never happen, even when the lapse of time is precisely the added condition which makes the event imminent.” This quote is on page 46 (Chapter 5). What does it mean?

“Our consciousness rarely registers the beginning of a growth within us any more than without us: there have been many circulations of the sap before we detect the smallest sign of the bud.” This quote is on page 63 (Chapter 7). What does it mean?

“I suppose one reason why we are seldom able to comfort our neighbours with our words is that our goodwill gets adulterated, in spite of ourselves, before it can pass our lips. We can send black puddings and pettitoes without giving them a flavour of our own egoism; but language is a stream that is almost sure to smack of a mingled soil.” This quote is on page 86 (Chapter 10). What does it mean? What connection can you make to it?

“As the child’s mind was growing into knowledge, his mind was growing into memory: as her life unfolded, his soul, long stupefied in a cold narrow prison, was unfolding too, and trembling gradually into full consciousness.” This quote is on page 140 (Chapter 14). What does it mean? What connection can you make to it?

“But there’s this to be thought on, Eppie: things will change, whether we like it or no; things won’t go on for a long while just as they are and no difference.” This quote is on page 165 (Chapter 16). What does it mean? What connection can you make to it? Also, in groups talk about theme & the epilogue.