Silas Paragraph

Through characterization, Eliot explores that idea that character is destiny. The actions of Silas and Godfrey lead to their respective fates. Silas, whose betrayal by his community leads to his loss of faith in God and man, is eventually redeemed through his simple and lasting loyalty to Eppie. The universe recognizes his goodness and rewards him with a full and loving life. Godfrey, on the other hand, is punished for his dissolution. Thale suggests that “Godfrey refuses a blessing and is unhappy. Silas accepts it and is made happy.”

The Parallel Stories of Godfrey and Silas

Date: 1960

On Silas Marner by George Eliot

Author: Jerome Thale

From: George Eliot, Bloom's Major Novelists.

The stories are related in a parallel and complementary way. The fortunes of the two men alternate, and there is a series of pairings in character and situation. Godfrey refuses a blessing and is unhappy. Silas accepts it and is made happy. Just as Godfrey has two wives, so Silas has two treasures, and each of the two men is a father to Eppie. Godfrey is betrayed by his brother Dunstan, Silas by his friend William Dane. Godfrey is secretly guilty, Silas secretly innocent. Dunstan and the gold are buried together, for the gold is Silas's undoing and the blackmailing brother is Godfrey's. When the gold and Dunstan's body are brought to light it is for Silas's joy and Godfrey's shame. Gold passes from Silas to the Casses, Eppie from the Casses to Silas.