1. Silas Marner by George Eliot

2. I. Introduction A. George Eliot 1. her life 2. her marriage 3. her philosophy B. Silas as Parable:

3. II. The Themes A. Psychological 1. importance of the soul 2. search for identity

4. II. The themes--Psychological 3. importance of love 4. Importance of work

5. II. The Themes B. Social 1. Love of others vs love of money 2. Marxist – what does the book say about money and power, who has it, who doesn’t, and why

6. II.The themes C. Archetypal / Universal – the religious and moral theme 1. Karma – morality and natural consequences natural consequences 2. Nature (Silas’ life opening and blooming like flowers; and blooming like flowers; Eppie’s, too) Eppie’s, too) 3. Religion (true religion vs false religion)

7. III. The Setting 1. Lantern Yard 2. Raveloe 3. Squire Cass’ House 4. The tavern 5. Silas’ cottage

8. IV. The Characters—men’s moral trilogy A. Silas Marner B. Godfrey C. Dunsey

9. IV. The Characters—women’s moral trilogy D. Eppie E. Molly F. Dolly Winthrop

10. V. Symbolism A. The loom / weaving B. Nature (and natural stuff [insects, flora, etc) [insects, flora, etc) c. Gold (money and Eppie)

11. V. Symbolism 4. Godfrey’s Horse (Wildfire) and the whip 5. The hearth 6. Eyesight 7. The cottage and the open door 8. Silas’ fits

12. VI. Conclusion A. George Eliot and the relation between intelligence, beauty, and morality intelligence, beauty, and morality b. The Relation between morality and joy c. Why Silas Marner is still a great book and still relevant today