George T. Eliot published his novel, a domestic fiction writing, in 1861. Surprisingly, George T. Elliot was actually a woman who wrote under pseudonym. The real author's name was Mary Anne Evans. She desired to write a book which contained intelligent and thoughtful topics. At the time though, this was considered not proper for a woman.   

 

The book Silas Marner is about a linen weaver and his depressing life. He is captivated by his myriad amount of gold and silver which he has collected over many years. One night the money is stolen and it seems that all hope in his life is gone. But a ray of sunshine walks through his door one day and his life is never the same.  

 

The theme that I found repeated throughout the book was family, whether that be a strong family like Silas and Eppie, or a weaker family like the Casses. 

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1. Eppie's love for Silas: “Thank you, ma’am--thank you, sir, for your offers...For I should have no delight i’ life any more if I was forced to go away from my father...” (Elliot 117)

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Eppie would rather stay with Silas than leave with her biological father who did not raise her. She has a family connection to this old man Silas, and would rather stay with him and not have as many opportunities as she would with the Casses. The bond of love, devotion, and family is strong in this wonderul book. Eppie is more prone to Silas, her adoptive father because she has found true, loving family in him.