George Eliot (1819-1880) was an English novelist, essayist, and poet most celebrated for her realist works such as Silas Marner (1861) and Middlemarch (1872) Eliot was born Mary Ann Evans in Warwickshire, England and took the pseudonym George Eliot for her publications due to the gender bias of Victorian-era literature. Eliot was influenced by the works of John Stuart Mill and was highly critical of societal conventions, making her one of the most influential novelists of the Victorian period. To this day, she is remembered for her groundbreaking works of fiction that drew largely from her own personal experiences and explored themes of social injustice and gender politics.
Example 1: The Representation of Gender in the Novels of George Eliot
This essay topic explores the way in which Eliot's works critically analyze gender expectations and roles of the 19th century. It will consider the way in which each of Eliot's works address gender stereotypes and challenge the patriarchal norms of the day. In particular, this essay will focus on how Eliot's characters Navigate societal expectations and find ways of asserting themselves in a male-dominated world.
Example 2: The Social Critiques of George Eliot
This essay topic will examine the way in which Eliot uses her novels to critique Victorian society and its conventions. It will consider how Eliot calls attention to issues of class and inequality in the 19th century, examining in particular the way in which she exposes the tension between the haves and the have-nots. The essay will also examine her use of satire to critique the hypocrisies of social conventions.
Example 3: George Eliot's Critique of Religion
This essay topic will explore the way in which Eliot's works challenge organized religion and its institutions. It will consider how her characters question the hypocrisy and double standards of religious leaders, as well as the elevation of faith over reason. It will also examine how her works address the moralistic nature of organized religion and its role in constraining individuals.
Example 4: George Eliot's Use of Realism
This essay topic will examine the way in which Eliot utilizes realism to explore and criticize 19th century society. It will consider her use of detailed descriptions to realistically portray the lives of her characters, as well as the way in which she portrays the struggles of the working class and the devastating effects of poverty. The essay will also explore how Eliot’s use of realism serves to critique the hypocrisy of Victorian society.
Example 5: The Feminist Ideology of George Eliot
This essay topic will explore the way in which Eliot's works embody a feminist worldview. It will consider how her characters transcend traditional gender roles, as well as her use of symbols and motifs to explore female empowerment and independence. The essay will also address how Eliot addresses the injustice of male domination and seeks to elevate the status of women.