Middlemarch
Although Middlemarch was first published in 1871, it has remained a favourite of book lovers for generations. George Eliot’s book explores nearly every subject of concern to modern life: art, religion, science, politics, self, society, and human relationships. There’s something for everyone in this book!
Middlemarch is told from a variety of perspectives, which brings this fictional town to life. Most of Eliot’s main characters are upper middle class or higher, but she still sheds light on the struggles of those living in poverty and how their plights impact those of her main characters.
Out of the several characters whose perspective the reader sees this story through, I most enjoyed reading the chapters from Dorothea Brooke’s point of view. I liked how Eliot showed the rise and fall of Brooke’s marriage to Edward Casaubon. They believed they would be happy together, but real life had other plans for them. Brooke managed to find happiness after Casaubon’s death with his cousin Will Ladislaw, but it took a long time and many trials, which I felt benefited the young couple.
My least favourite character would have to be the spoiled Rosamond Vincey. I initially liked her, but after her marriage to Dr. Tertius Lydgate, she became quite intolerable. Her spoiled upbringing made her unsympathetic to her husband’s financial plight. She caused him more stress and problems than necessary. I pitied her husband, who in my opinion never should have married her in the first place.
Eliot did a wonderful job tackling complex subjects in Middlemarch with humour and wit. I felt like I really understood the world her characters were living in, even though it was set so far in the past.
Middlemarch Rating: ★★★★
Middlemarch is told from a variety of perspectives, which brings this fictional town to life. Most of Eliot’s main characters are upper middle class or higher, but she still sheds light on the struggles of those living in poverty and how their plights impact those of her main characters.
Out of the several characters whose perspective the reader sees this story through, I most enjoyed reading the chapters from Dorothea Brooke’s point of view. I liked how Eliot showed the rise and fall of Brooke’s marriage to Edward Casaubon. They believed they would be happy together, but real life had other plans for them. Brooke managed to find happiness after Casaubon’s death with his cousin Will Ladislaw, but it took a long time and many trials, which I felt benefited the young couple.
My least favourite character would have to be the spoiled Rosamond Vincey. I initially liked her, but after her marriage to Dr. Tertius Lydgate, she became quite intolerable. Her spoiled upbringing made her unsympathetic to her husband’s financial plight. She caused him more stress and problems than necessary. I pitied her husband, who in my opinion never should have married her in the first place.
Eliot did a wonderful job tackling complex subjects in Middlemarch with humour and wit. I felt like I really understood the world her characters were living in, even though it was set so far in the past.
Middlemarch Rating: ★★★★