58682370 m a english notes punjab university lahore novel adam bede (1)

7/23/2019 58682370 M a English Notes Punjab University Lahore Novel Adam Bede (1)

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Email:[email protected]:+9203006150661

By

(1819-1880)

The main story revolves around the life

and love of Adam Bede, a carpenter of good and honest character. Adamis a

practical head of his family, which includes his father, Thais Bede,who has

taken to drink and has lost the respect of his son, Lisbeth,the well meaning but

weakly fussy mother and Seth Bede,his brother, who is a Methodist. Sethis inlove with his fellow Methodist, Dinah Morris.Although, Sethhas tried his luck

with Dinahonce yet tries his luck once again. Sethassures her that marriage

will not prove a hindrance in her religious duties. Dinah respects him very much,

but she does not accept his proposal, because she feels that she should not

marry. However, she assures him that if she ever thinks of marriage, he would be

the first one. Poor Sethis dejected but tries to find consolation () in her

assurance.

Adamis working in the workshop of Mr. Burge who desires that Adam

should marry his daughter. In that case, he is ready to make him a partner in the

business. However, Adamis in love with the pretty nice of Poysers named Hetty

Sorrel. Hettyis a woman of a very shallow nature. Moreover, she has a soft

corner for the heir of the village squire ( ) namely Arthur-Donnithorne.

Arthuris a childhood friend of Adam. He is a good man but is of a weak moral

character and cannot resist the charm of Hetty. Unknown to Adam, Arthurand

Hettymeet in the woods in the cottage which Arthurhas furnished for living. At

a birthday party, Arthurhas paid great attention to Hetty, so that she startedthinking to live a life of with Arthurand of the charms of that such a life would

provide. Naturally, the offer of Adamnow means nothing to vain Hetty.

Arthurand Hettyare once surprised in the woods by Adam, who happens

to pass that way just when two lovers are bending down for a kiss. Adamgets

angry to see that he is being betrayed by his best friend. He forces a fight on

Arthurand knocks him unconscious. In fact, for a time it appears to Adamthat

he has killed Arthur. Adaminsists that the affair must end at once. He forces

Arthurto write a letter to Hetty,in which he informs her that their love-affairmust not continue. Hettyis shocked to find all her dreams turning to dust and


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ashes. In this situation a proposal from Adamappears to her a best chance.

Burge offers partnership to Adamregardless of marriage with his daughter.

Adamis now in a position to support a wife and makes a proposal to Hetty.

Hettyaccepts him and an early date is fixed for their marriage.

All seems to be well for the major characters, Adam, Arthurand Hetty,when a tragedy strikes a swift blow which engulfs all of them. Hettydiscovers

herself pregnant. She did not inform anyone about this situation. On the pretext

) of inviting) Dinahfor marriage, Hettyleaves home. The object of her journey

is Arthur, how has gone away with his regiment but has left his address with her

in case of an emergency. After a tiring journey, she reaches the place but

discovered that in the meanwhile the regiment has moved to Ireland. At the end of

her resources, she at last decided to meet Dinah. However, she unexpectedly

gives birth to a child in the house of a kind-hearted and God-fearing couple. She

leaves the place on the very next day. It is known later that she placed the infant

in a hollow under a tree and covered it with grass and small pieces of wood. Later,

she comes back to look for the child, which, in the meanwhile, has been taken

away by a man who has seen a small hand coming out of the grass. On reaching

home, he finds the infant to be dead. He informs authorities and Hettyis arrested

for child-murder.

In Hays lope, this news first reaches the priest, Mr. Irwin.In the

meanwhile, Adamhas been on the futile search for Hetty. He, now, learns thebitter truth from Irwinand also tells him that he knows about Hettyand Arthur.

Hettyis tried for the crime of murdering her own child, is found guilty and

sentenced to death. She is saved from the very verge () of death by a hard

won relief by Arthur. Her punishment is changed into life imprisonment.

Dinah Morrissucceeds in moving the hardened heart of Hettyand

obtaining a full confession from her. During Hettys trial she comes in close

contact with Adamand falls in love with him. Sethdespairs of success with

Dinah in his love-suit and asks Adamto try his luck with her. Adamdoes soand is accepted. Hettyundergoes a long imprisonment, is released but dies on

her way home. Arthurdecides to join the army and leaves Hays lope.

Q 1:

Discuss merits and demerits of George Eliots plot

construction with special reference to her novel Adam

Bede.


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Or

What are the new trends that are introduced by George

Eliot in plot construction in English novel writing? Discuss

with special reference to her novel Adam Bede.

Answer:

George Eliotis considered to be a revolutionary name in the field of novel

writing. She has been considered among the last of Victorians but first in the

modern novelist. Her modern approach created a sensation in the literary circles.

In the hands of George Eliotnovel undergoes a clear cut change. It is truly said

that from the time of Fielding to George Eliotconception ( ) of the form of

English novel remained unchanged.

One of the important changes introduced by George Eliotis that of

providing a complex plot and psychoanalysis of her characters. In Adam Bede

she has very beautifully given the inner workings of Arthur, Adamand Hettys

minds. She analyses their motives, mental process, inner conflicts, their souls

and development of their characters. She dissects the soul of her characters and

brings out their inner struggle.

In the earlier novels, the plot was of straightforward nature and unity wasonly in terms of the presence of hero. But, in the novels of George Eliotwe come

across the refined ( ) elements of the crafts of fiction. The plot of

Adam Bede is not well unified as that of Mill on The Flossand

Middlemarch, yet it shows the quality introduced by George Eliot.

Adam Bede does not have a loose plot to which we were used to in the

early novels of Jane Austen and Dickens. The plot of this novel is skillfully put

together and we really appreciate the full magic of its story and see that it is a

great work of art. The plot is preconceived ( ) by the author. The story

unfolds the character as it proceeds further. The story teller works her will on us

because we are convinced that these people and town or village actually exists.

When we read the suffering of the characters, we indulge in the natural human

tendency to sympathize.

In Adam Bede the events and the background are intermingled perfectly.

The evolution of the plot depends upon the qualities of the characters as well as

the opportunities provided and restrictions imposed by the environment. This is

exactly what happens in Adam Bede. The opportunities and restrictions act andreact so impressively that the plot takes a lofty image in the eyes of the readers.


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The full effect of Arthurs submission to the sensual appeal of Hettys charm and

innocence and all that happens later on depends upon the relationship of both

the character to each other and to the world. The pride and self-respect of Poysers

(Hettys family), is established in readers mind by the vivid () picture of their

surroundings, their domestic life and the performing of their church duties. All

these elements play a very vital role in the plot of Adam Bede to cause a tragedy

and enhancing the bitterness. It is the social background and the standard of

conduct that makes it necessary for Hettyto run away before the birth of illegal

child. It is the honour which creates a sense of affliction ( ) for them.

Adam Bede deals with different aspects of human life at different levels.

Even Arthurcannot tolerate the shame that was brought due his relation with

Hetty. Most of the action that we see in this regard provides us the inner psyche

of the characters and reveals the importance of this form of honour. This special

interest of the plot is the whole novel. As famous critic Gerald Bulletsays, The

dramatic strength of Adam Bede lies in the story of Hetty, so strongly

imagined and so honestly told, giving the reader great psychological

insight into the behaviour patterns of the characters involved in special

intimacy. The sense of humanity, warm sense of rural comedy and hustle

and bustle of life is wonderfully amalgamated in the main plot.

Like all great novels, Adam Bede has also some flaws. Critics make the

point that the end of the novel is not that impressive as it should be. Theweakness of plot is mentioned on different levels. The oppressive ( ) nature

of Adamand Dinah, the sacrifice of probability ( ), and the untidy ( (

ending have often been mentioned in this regard. But these minor flaws become

pardonable ( ) when we see that Georg Eliot was giving new trends in the

field of plot construction. This new experiment bound to have some failure.

In short, it can be safely said that Adam Bede has a very special chain of

events which has been marvelously arranged to build a forceful plot. George

Eliots effort is highly appreciable in this regard.

Q 2:

Discuss George Eliots art of characterization with

special reference to Adam Bede.

Answer:

In novel writing, like the dramatic art the significance of characterizationcannot be denied. Particularly the modern novelists lay great emphasis on the


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true and forceful delineation of characters. The great the quality of

characterization, the higher is the appeal of fiction writing. This is exactly what

we find in almost all the great writings of George Eliot. She is rightly credited

with introducing an almost revolutionary change in the delineation and

presentation of characters. The novelists of later generation have fully

acknowledged the greatness of George Eliotin this regard. D. H Lawrence, one

of the most influential modern novelists pays tribute to George Eliotin the

following words:

It was she who started it all; it was she who started to put all the

action inside her characters.

George Eliots skill in characterization is now fully recognized, though it is

generally believed that this mastery is exhibited only in Middlemarch and

more particularly in the Mill on the Floss.To some degree Eliots matchlessskill is shown equally well in Adam Bede, her first full length novel. Even here

her characters are made perfectly credible and their motives are fully established.

It has been mentioned by many critics that she exposes all the complex feelings of

spirit that strike at the doors of disturb conscious. She describes the action

before it is committed. She reveals the actions when they are taking shape into

the hearts. When they are committed their ugliness is exposed. For instances, the

character of Arthuris the best example of the change brought in by the novelist

herself. In portraying this particular character, she lays bare all the conscious aswell as semi-conscious emotions which compel him to action. We see the working

of his inner most mind.

The characterization in Adam Bede is absolutely vivid and memorable. In

the words of a modern critic, There is not a single character in the novel

which is not perfectly drawn, even if the portrait is but a sketch still it is a

true one. Even the character of Mr. Irwin, the person, is very carefully

drawn and plays a very impressive role in the final predicament () of

Hetty. His religious learning has made him a very sensible and caringfigure. The sufferings and agonies of humanity seem to him his own

sufferings. He extends full cooperation to anybody who undergoes injustice,

oppression and unfair treatment. Even such a minor character finds full

opportunity to make a mark on the readers.

The other critic, Hennery James and Gerald Bullet have found some

irregularities in the characterization in Adam Bede. For example, it is their

belief that the major characters like Adamand Dinahdo not arouse the desired

interest. They also claim that the character of Mrs. Poysers has been over praised.Both these critics are unanimous () in their opinion that Hettyhas been the


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most successful creation of all the characters. Her innocence, great interest in

life, her sharing capability, and great interest in human psyche and her free and

frank attitude in all matters of life make her a very complete character, the most

suitable for the modern day fiction.

The whole gallery of characters, from major to minor, has been beautifullyprojected to create desired effect. The perfection and imperfection of the

personalities of different characters make a wonderful sense of literary triumph

by the great novelist. The peak of characterization becomes self-evident when we

glance at the variety of characters, roles they perform and the inner coordination

that they exhibit at every level. The psychological pattern of inner thinking is the

hallmark ( ) of special gift of characterization of George Eliot. The complex

feelings keep on adding to the overall effect and the thematic interpretations ()

of the different segments of the plot. The collective picture that emerges out of

this fine blend of action and characterization is a gem () indeed. No other

novelist of George Eliots era can claim to have produced such marvelous

interlink ( ) and psychological treatment at such an artistic level.

Characterization is definitely a special feature of George Eliots art of novel

writing, which is difficult to surpass ( .(

To conclude, it can be said with absolute confidence that the writing of

George Eliotare full of unique characters which are larger than life. The typical

flavour of George Eliots own personality gives colour and broader dimension toher characters. The matchless characters are the proud product of strong mind of

the writer. Adam, Hetty, Dinahand few others testify this reality.

Q 3:

Give a character sketch of Adam Bede.

Answer:

Adamis an intelligent but not well educated rural carpenter who feels that

he understands the nature of the things. For him life is very simple and he

believes that the world operates according to certain mechanical principles which

never change. He also believes that one should spend ones life according to

certain principles of right conduct. He is an unemotional person and believes that

one should always do ones duty no matter what the circumstances are. For this

reason he is a sober young man, totally dedicated to his work. He rarely does

things for his own pleasure but always tries to do the right thing in every

situation.


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Such a kind of attitude creates many fine qualities in him. Adamhas a

strong nature. He is brave and aggressive and does not yield under pressure,

because he thinks he knows what right is. He is self-confident and expresses

himself honestly. His dedication to his duty makes him strong willed and

determined person. It also leads him to approach problems in a logical forward

looking way. All in all, he is a very optimistic young man as novel opens. He feels

that he can handle any situation through positive action. He feels that he is in

control of himself and of the course of his life.

The deep study of novel reveals that Adamis somewhat immature. Even the

experiences of life have not changed his strict view point. As his reaction to his

father shows that he lacks sympathy for other peoples weaknesses. He is

dedicated to duty himself and he expects others to have same attitude in life. He

is thus self-righteous and somewhat intolerant. His basic aggressiveness is

expressed through his violent attitude. Sometimes, he seems to feel that violence

is the most honest and practical way to solve the problems. As he feels in control

of his situation, he is a proud and self-centered man. He is the one who clings to

his own opinion and insists on getting his own way.

The negative features in his personality emerge most clearly in his first

reaction to Arthurwhen he comes to know about the love affair between Arthur

and Hetty. His passions get out of hand and he tries to solve his problem in the

most direct possible way by taking physical revenge on Arthurand then forcinghim to write to Hettyabout terminating the relationship. At this point his pride

has even corrupted his good qualities and he refuses to forgive Arthur.

The regret that Adamfeels for having knocked Arthurdown is the first step

towards maturity. He realizes that he has done something rash which serves no

useful purpose and which cannot be retracted ( ). From this point, under the

influence of Dinah, Mr. Irwin and his own experience, he begins to soften. He

becomes acquainted with irremediable evil at Hettys trial. It is the sort of

situation which he cannot control or set right. This places him in a dilemma andhe solves it by accepting the imperfect situation and by extending sympathy to

Hettyand Arthur. In short, he becomes humble and instead of judging peoples

behaviour by his own standards, he treats them well in spite of their faults. His

self-righteous and intolerance fall away and he realizes that doing right implies

acting in a loving way whether people come up to his notion of proper conduct or

not. The pride which has isolated him from others vanishes and he accepts his

own and his nears limitations. After a great struggle, he is able to put others

happiness before own, even to forgive the man he had considered his enemy.


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Adams personality is consistent throughout the novel. His values simply

shift as he grows more mature and realistic. At the end, he is still strong but now

his strength founded on acceptance of the world as it is. He has come to see that

it is more important to love than to be technically right in any given situation.

Adamis thus Eliots primary illustration of the way in which a man can develop

what according to her standard is proper self understanding. He becomes moral

instead of moralistic and evolves gentleness. In short, Adam Bedeis a perfectly

round character and grows steadily throughout the course of the novel.

Q 4:

Give a character sketch of Dinah Morris.

Answer:

To most of the readers sweet pity of Dinahseems distasteful. It seems like

too much of a good thing. But this reaction is based on an unhistorical view of the

character, it is not valid ( .( Dinah Morriss style of speech seems quite

odd to the modern reader but this was a fact that such type of speech was

common in 18thcentury. The reader of 21stcentury finds it unnatural but GeorgeEliotwas creating a historically accurate picture and this should be kept in mind

while judging her characters.

On the other hand, this wrong reaction to Dinahs character is quite valid.

Most critics of the world urge that Dinahis not a realistic character. She is an

ideal and a perfect woman who has no fault. Perhaps she is the personification of

abstract () goal of Eliots ethical system. There are perfect no women in the

world, nor there likely to be. Dinahis rather clearly inhuman in her piety.

Without any doubt Dinahis a good woman. She is completely dedicated to

the Lords work. Wherever she encounters suffering, she tries to alleviate it. She

has spent her whole life in deeds of charity. Dinahs piety is not an abstract one.

She preaches what she believes and practices what she preaches. Through long

experience she had discovered how to comfort people and bring them to God. In

the course of novel, she had a good effect on everyone she comes in contact with.

Dinahis also entirely humble. She considers herself as the servant of the people.

She is a working woman and no task is too mean for her. She visits afflicted

people in prison and in their simple cottages and she shares their hard life withthem.


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The close study of the novel makes it quite evident that she is absolutely

selfless. She never allows any thought of her own comfort to interfere with the

performance of her duty. She looks upon her own desires as temptations which

must be restricted. She always places God before man and other people before

herself. And finally she is totally benevolent. Dinahnever does anything which is

not likely to have good effects. She has no dislikes and she treats everyone with

respect and sympathy. No one in the novel disapproves her behaviour. She is

universally praised by all who know her.

Dinahgives up her life of taking care and preaching when she marries

Adam. But, she takes this step only after assuring herself that it is Gods will and

her basic personality does not change at all. Dinahremains at the end what she

was at the beginning. She was a morally perfect woman with the face and bearing

of an angle and the heart of a saint.

To conclude, we may say that George Eliothas presented Dinah as a

symbol of womanly virtue and as a very caring character. She is affectionate,

cooperating, sympathetic and very tender hearted. We learn from different parts

of the novel about her generosity and large-heartedness. Every critic has shown

his appreciation for Dinahfor her harmless nature and her appealing personality.

George Eliothas certainly presented a larger than life character in the figure of

Dinah. The readers have naturally great regard for her. Her personality gives a

very sober colour to the entire action of the novel. The inner piety of the novelistreflects through the noble character of Dinah.

Q5:

Discuss the local colour and comic relief in Adam Bede.

Answer:

As a literary term, local colour refers to description of life and character inparticular locality. The customs of the people, their speeches, their particular way

of looking at things is presented to the reader often in a slightly sentimentalized

or desirous way. Dickens and Bret Harte are probably the best known

practitioners of this type.

Comic relief is familiar term which needs careful examination. An author

wants to relive the intensity of the serious plot-line by inserting comic characters

or situations. These entertaining devices help keep the readers interest lively and

balance out the fictional picture of the half tragic, half comic world. Probably, themost famous comic relief in English literature is the knocking at the gate in


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Macbeth, where sight of drunken porter relaxes the audiences after the murder

of Duncan. Eliot uses both these devices in Adam Bede. In a strict sense most

of the novel is full of local colour. The settings and the speeches of the characters

belongs to a specific time and place. But certain characters function almost

entirely as local colour figures. These people are actually the part of the novels

background. They provide a concrete atmosphere in which central action of the

story takes place. Mr. Poyser is a typical Warwickshire farmer and Mr. Ben

exemplifies the typical attitude of the Warwickshire town labourer of his days.

Eliot gives a lot of attention to the habits and customs of the local people.

For example, most of chapter 6 and 18 describes what ordinary people did and

said on ordinary days in the Warwickshire countryside in 1800. The pictures

presented at different levels of the village life are relevant and realistic. They are a

frank and representation of the functioning physical world of that time. Parts of

book 3, especially chapter 25 on the games at the Arthurs birthday party show

how people celebrate an important event. We find the local custom of the harvest

supper.

The sections of the novel which concentrate on developing local colour serve

other purposes as well. For example, in book 3 we see calm prevails before the

storm. Eliot builds up suspense by talking of minor matters, while delaying the

explosion of the inevitable conflict. We see that suspense is created in chapter 53

while Dinahthinks over Adams proposal from different angles. These events alsoprovide the much needed comic relief. It is no accident that the relatively

lighthearted portion of the novel comes after the grim conflict between Adamand

Arthur. This has been done deliberately to minimize the emerging tension.

Thus local colour and comic relief work hand in hand in Adam Bede.

Eliotis determined to write a realistic novel about common people, dig her

memories of childhood and creates a specific concrete world. She projects it in a

very sentimental way and takes delight in the charming presentation of rural folk.

Eliot does not forget that one important function of the novelist is to entertain. Soshe provides us something to laugh at by describing the real life pattern of the

village people.

To conclude, it can be said that the entire novel is full of local environment

and there is no dearth () of comic relief. These two vital elements of the novel

add beauty and comprehensiveness to the novel writing of George Eliot. Her

quality does not make Adam Bedelaborious ( ), boring or unattractive

rather local colour and comic relief should be taken as very strong plus point of

the novelist.


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Q 6:

Discuss George Eliot as a modern novelist.

Answer:George Eliothas a distinction of being regarded as the first modern novelist

in the real sense of the word. She introduced a conception of novel which is still a

continuing effect on the current pattern of novel writing. The main reason of her

fame is that she is first modern novelist in English.

The first period of the English novel begins with Fielding and ends with

Trollope. The second period is of Henry Jamesand Meredith.Third period

started with George Eliotand is hardly over today. Though, she was not a

revolutionary genius like Emily Bronte, yet her mode of writing and her personal

temperament were cautious () and scholarly. Her books do have a shadow of

his predecessors as she learnt a lot from them. Although, her mode of writing was

very much like Victorian yet there are some important differences as well.

Though, she does not break the old tradition which she inherited, yet she altered

its fundamental characteristics. She used the old formulas but used them for a

new purpose. Her creative impulse gave her a new inspiration.

Even George Eliothas used some of the literary ingredients as used byearlier Victorian novelists but she gives them totally different value. For instance,

the theme of Middlemarchinvolves a description of the social life as elaborate

as that of Trollope,but this description is not her chief interest in writing the

story. The farm life in Adam Bede is there to provide an occasion for telling the

story. The significant feature that makes George Eliota modern novelist is the

separate scene and characters. The things which have primary importance for the

Victorian novelists have secondary importance for Eliot.

George Eliots novels do not consist of a number of characters withhaphazard () plot imposed on them in order to keep them together. The plot

did not arise from the characters, except in the case of Vanity Fair. George

Eliotstarted the idea of characters and situations. She did not intend to follow

the standardized formula. Hence, she developed something which was quite

different from the accepted Victorian notion of a plot. There was no marriage, no

happy ending and no characters according to the Victorian conception of hero

and heroine. The Mill on the Flossends badly and has no hero at all. In

Middlemarchthere is no central figure of any kind and main interest is divided

between four separate groups of characters and none of them approaches the


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conventional heroic type. Moreover, as the action of the story arises logically from

the characters, those strokes of fortunate, coincidences, sudden inheritance, long

last wills which the main material are in ordinary Victorian plot, are totally

absent.

The great novels of earlier period had mainly been written for theentertainment of middle classes. Their subject matter was limited. But for George

Eliotthe novel was medium for the discussion of serious problems. Eliot is a

distant landmark in the history of the English novel. She does not regard novel as

entertainment. In her hands novel becomes a fit vehicle for the highest art as well

as profound criticism of life. She regards individuals more important than society.

The society must come forward to add to the happiness of the individual. It must

not bring hurdles in the path of individual aspirations.

In short, we see that from every point of view George Eliotcan be regarded as thefirst real modern novelist in English literature. Her plots, her social technique,

her psychological insights and her own special flavour of liberated personality

makes her true representative of modern version of novel.

Q 7:

Discuss George Eliots realism.

Or

What are the biographical elements in Adam Bede?

Or

Discuss the dear reader technique of George Eliot in

Adam Bede.

Or

Discuss Eliots psychological approach in Adam Bede.

Answer:

George Eliothas been considered as the intellectual novelist. For every

intellectual novelist realism is necessary, but for Eliot it is a creed and ambition.

She declares her stories as a criticism of life; hence she draws her stories from

actual life. She draws her own model and deals everything with devoted and


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sincere truthfulness. Whereas, such truthfulness is missing in Dickens and

Faulkner, rather there is an air of artificiality in their work. Eliot says:

Falsehood is so easy, truth is so difficult.

But for writer like Eliots intellect, it is very difficult to create falsehood.In Eliots time, the dear reader technique was widely used. The method

derives from the conception that since fiction was literally ( ) untrue hence

was a deception and morally unhealthy. 18thcentury writers, especially Defoe

took pains to insist that their novels were real account of true happenings.

Although, 19thcentury gradually came to accept fiction as fiction, the custom of

speaking directly to the readers would do persisted. It took novel another forty

years to take its place as a serious art form.

Through out Adam Bede, Eliot pretends that it is a true story. She takes

the position of one who is merely recording events as heard by her. Almost all the

background of her stories arises from her early childhood memories of the

Warwickshire countryside. For this reason she says that her novels are her

experience of life. Though there is great contribution and blend of imagination,

yet description have a warmth and colour of memory.

In Adam Bede events of the story take place in 1799 i.e. about half a

century before it is written, yet George Eliotshows such a clear picture of past,

that to many older people it reminds the era of their early years or childhood.

Hays lope world is as true as any village in England.

Eliot draws her characters from real life. In Adam Bede she describes that

Dinah Morrisis a pen picture of her own Methodist aunt, Mrs. Samuel Evans.

Though, her aunt is not like Dinahin her softness and beauty, yet the main idea

is taken from her. Even the main theme of the story i.e. confession and execution

of a woman, on murdering her child, is taken from account of a similar incident

by Eliots same aunt. Thus she tries to make it more real by using original story.

It is said that her character of Adam, resembles Eliots father very closely.

Her power of observation goes hand in hand with her memory and

imagination. It is her deep observation of peoples behaviour in daily life, which

makes her character more close to reality. Mrs. Poyser represents true wit and

humour of a pure countrywoman of that time. It is said that she had some

characteristics of Eliots mother. Through ArthurEliot bitterly satirizes the

general behaviour and customs of landlords.

Eliot also depicts the psychological realism in her novels. She has deepinsight in her human nature and she unveils its weaknesses. Her stories define a


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certain moral conflict of human life; the conflict of duty and desire, of heart and

head, of mind and soul. The inner world of her characters is more important to

her than the outer one. She skillfully penetrates to the inner-self of her character

and thus exposes them.

Eliots keen observation of human nature is also visible in the minorincidents of the novel. For instance, mans natural selfishness is revealed through

various characters. As when Hettyresolves to forgive Arthur, it is also for the

sake of her own salvation (). Another example of Eliots intellect and insight in

human nature is shown in the marriage of Adamwith Dinah. It expresses man

natural instinct to escape from pain and suffering, and that every passion losses

its intensity with the passage of time.

Eliot has been criticized on grounds of exaggerating in some cases. An

objection is raised that she has made Hettys sufferings prolonged and acute (), and she does not deserve such extremely harsh treatment. The reason might

be so that being a moralist; Eliot could not spare even the slightest moral lapse in

her female characters. Another, objection is that she has made Adam and

Dinah too good to be true. Their excessive goodness makes them unreal. But

this was done by Eliot with a definite aim to reject the popular notion of her time

that all men and women are mere temptress ( .(

In short, George Eliots wisdom, intellect and imagination do not go for

from reality. Her insight into human nature brings the very truth about ourselves

in front of us also. It is her trait which differ her from other Victorians and make

her first in the queue of modern novelists.

Q 8:

Discuss George Eliot as a moralist.

Or

Adam Bede is dramatization of ultimate best in man.

What is your opinion?

Or

Adam Bede learns through pains. His knowledge of

suffering makes him the man of high standing. Do you

agree?


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Answer:

In her youth, George Eliotcame in contact with intellectual figures of her

age. When her vision widened, she lost faith in Orthodox ( ) Christianity,

and after that she could not believe in the supernatural concepts and immortality

of human soul throughout her life. For this reason she has been accused of being

agonistic ( ) and atheist ( ). But she never appears as an

atheist in her stories, only her approach to religion is intellectual. She could not

believe in dogmatic parts of religion, but she had faith in its ethical preaching.

She was concerned with only moral aspects of religion. Her standards of right and

wrong were exactly those of the puritans ( ). Her spiritual values were

based on human values, not on the Bible. She believes that anyone leading a

virtuous life enjoys real happiness and is essentially contented with life.

Some critics have claimed that George Eliotcould not be a moralist, as she

herself was immoral in her life. She was living with Lewis without marriage. But,

if we consider through the views of human values, she did not commit any

immoral act. Lewis wife had left him and George Eliotwanted to console him

and second marriage is not allowed in Christianity.

Like Fielding, Eliot also wrote with definite purpose, which was to inject

the moralinto people. However, her concept of morality was quite different from

that of Fielding. In fact, she wanted to vex ( ) or reshape the consciousness of the individuals to reform the whole society. For this reason, she used her

novels as a platform for moral preaching. She gave psychological insight of her

characters, thus making them more lifelike and acceptable. She thought them her

morality through their sufferings and experiences. Her moral belief is clear from

her following statements:

Our deeds determine us as much as we determine our deeds.

Egoism is the central idea of her novels. She describes how an egoistic

creates problems for himself as well as for others. In Adam Bede, she strikes at

the feudal egoism in the character of Arthur. He wanted to overcome his flaws

but it was an inborn quality, which brought the catastrophe in the novel.

George Eliotstresses on the balance between the interests of the self and

that of the other selves. She thinks that no one can be moral, unless he breaks

the prison of the self. She wants people to look upon the sufferings of the people

around them and pity them. She feels that even the weakest person has

something to be admired. According to her, no one get ultimate happiness unless

he maintains content relationship with human beings.


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She believes that sufferings are essential for the development of personality,

because sufferings mould a man. Through the medium of sufferings an egoistic

matures. She shows her characters suffers and learns a lot. Adams sympathies

are widened through his sufferings and his feelings of self-righteousness

gradually lessen. Hettyalso regenerates and matures through her sufferings.

She wants people to maintain emotional self-control. Passions should

always be under the control of reason, as sentimentality destroys man and brings

his downfall. In Adam BedeArthurs and Hettys sentimentality brought their

tragedy and to which there was no remedy.

Eliot in her stories lay stress on absoluteness ( ) of duty. To her, one

should not compromise on duty at any cost. Hettydoes not care for her duty

towards her uncle and aunt and in her vanity goes far away. Thats why she

suffers.

Eliot thinks that endurance and renunciation ( ) are necessary for

happy and successful life. Adamremains unsatisfied, when he is rash and

intolerant but becomes calm and peaceful when he regenerates and through his

sufferings and learns to endure others. Dinahis also a symbol of endurance and

patience.

Eliot believes in the justice in life. According to her, virtuous people live a

contented life and a sinner or an immoral man is sure to meet his fate ().She is sure that one cant escape from the consequences of ones own actions.

Even the smallest sin will have its punishment, though not immediately, yet in

times to come. Hettyand Arthurboth are example of her that belief.

In the end, it can be said that Eliot preached the religion of morality.

However, her approach to moralization was aesthetic () and not conservative

( ). She linked ethics with aesthetics. In fact, ethics were driving force of her

novels. In short, she was definitely a moralist like any other novelist and her

novels were a criticism of life.

Q 9:

What is Methodism? Is Adam Bede a propagation of

this religious phenomenon?

Answer:

Methodism may be defined as a movement of reaction against the apathy

( ) of the Church of England that prevailed in the early part of 18th


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century. John Wesley, who was a student at Oxford and took holy orders in 1725,

founded this movement. Methodist society was formed in 1729 when a few young

men at Oxford came together under his leadership. Their object was the

promotion of piety and morality. The greatest success of this movement was

among the lower classes. When the Methodist movement strengthened, lady

preachers were appointed to meet the need. First Wesley Conference was held in

1744, in which women were allowed to preach but later they were restricted to

preach. In the beginning, this movement worked under the established church,

but as the society grew, it became more independent. However, separation was

made after the death of Wesley in 1791.

Adam Bede was published in 1859, but the story of the novel takes place

in 1799. This was the time of most stirring () events all over the world.

Civil war was fought in United States, in Italy there raised the Movement of

Independence, Japan came out of self-imposed isolation, Russia freed her

occupied areas, and France fell to internal strife. But Hays lope in England, in

which the action of the novel takes place, remains unaffected by all these events.

In Adam Bede, the famous religious movement of the time, Methodism, is

discussed.

Dinah Morris, who is one of the most devoted and firm Methodist,

represents this movement. She is a very influential preacher and her sermons

show the characteristics of Methodist preaching. Her first appearance in the novelis in a sermon at Hays lope. This sermon has a purely Methodist appeal. At first

there is an emphasis on Gods love for poor, then there is a call for repentance

over the sins and in the end there is warning against worldly vanity. This speech

is very much similar to one of the speeches of Wesley.

This speech creates a moving affect on the audience. However, by and large,

the people of Hays lope remained unaffected by Methodism, while people of

Snowfield are more receptive ( .) of it

Dinahis an example of the most sincere type of Methodist. She has a soft

nature and has great sympathy for the sinners. Her chief aim is to know the will

of God and to follow it. She consults the Bible before taking any crucial decision.

Hence, she rejects Sethand accepts Adamafter consolation.

Dinahs Methodist spirit also appears on two occasions. First one is when

she visits Lisbeth Bede to console her on her husbands death. With her soothing

words and manners, she helps Lisbeth to regain her self control. Dinahgets this

healing touch through her Methodist learning.


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The other occasion comes when Dinahmeets Hettyin prison and makes

her confess. Hettyhas no concept of the agony of soul. She fears only for the

suffering of the body. But Dinahmakes her feel the physical presence of God with

them. She urges Hetty, To put a new fear within her-the fear of her sin. Thus,

because of Dinahs efforts and prayers, Hettyrealizes the sufferings of her soul,

confesses her crime and repents on her sin.

The novel also presents the tolerant attitude of the established church

towards Methodism.

Through a short speech at the end, it is made clear that Dinahis not going

to preach anymore. It is because the Second Wesley Conference has forbidden the

women to preach. It was felt that women preachers did more harm than goodness

with their preaching. But Dinahdoes not belong to that group of women. She is a

symbol of purity and a force of good. Moreover, much of the story involvesMethodism and hence it progresses through Dinah. However, Eliot is more

concerned with the psychology of the characters and their moral choice. She

wants to moralize the people and Dinahs Methodist approach also highlights the

moral elements to be developed in the people.

58682370 m a english notes punjab university lahore novel adam bede (1)

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