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This meeting studied George Eliot's novel, Silas Marner. The group began by viewing a BBC videotape production. The ensuing discussion was led by Dr. Margaret Keenan of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and her sister, Professor Laura Emery, of San Diego State University.
Emery pointed out the mythic quality of the novel, reminiscent of a fairy tale in many respects. The fable tells about a miserly, emotionally crippled man who loses his money only to regain his life by the appearance of a Golden Child who replaces the stolen gold pieces. The age-old themes of loss, recovery, and redemption are sounded anew in this story. Its fable-like quality makes the novel a popular choice for eighth and ninth graders. Ironically, however, many young people do not appreciate the story. It takes a certain maturity and having lived through difficult and painful periods to appreciate Eliot's astute understanding of the psychology of loss, pain, rage, and stunted grief.
Dr. Keenan described the emotional setting in which the novel was written. Eliot was planning a book about a Roman hero that would have required a good deal of research. In the midst of preparing for the writing of this book, Eliot had the idea for Silas Marner and felt compelled to set aside the original project to work on this new novel.
At this time, Eliot (pen name for Mary Ann, or Marian, Evans) was cut off from her family who disapproved of her fiancé. The abandonment by her family was a heavy blow for her, and she felt angry and bitter about their perceived betrayal. Particularly painful was the loss of her brother, whom she idolized. At this time, too, Eliot was preparing her home in London to accommodate her lover's son so that he could live with them. The painful loss