Eliot, G: Daniel Deronda

First published in 1876, "Daniel Deronda" was George Eliot's final novel. Controversial in its time for its morally ambiguous characterizations and its sympathy for the proto-Zionist movement, the novel is regarded today as one of the great social satires of the Victorian era. The story begins with the meeting of Daniel Deronda and the beautiful but stubborn and selfish, Gwendolen Harleth, whom he witnesses loses all her money at a game of roulette. The following day, Gwendolen learns that her family is bankrupt and consequently pawns her necklace, which is fortunately returned to her in a sympathetic gesture by Daniel. Faced with the loss of the family fortune in an economic downturn, Gwendolen ponders her options for obtaining financial security. She is reluctant to take a position as a governess desiring to become an actress and singer instead. Ultimately she chooses to marry the wealthy but manipulative Henleigh Mallinger Grandcourt, a decision she quickly regrets. Meanwhile Daniel becomes acquainted with Mirah Lapidoth, a young Jewish woman, whom he rescues from drowning. Daniel seeking a purpose in his life begins to identify with the cause of establishing a Jewish nation. Through the portrayals of Gwendolen and Daniel, Eliot provides a robust tale of the search for meaning amidst the decadence and materialism of Victorian British society. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and includes an introduction by Esther Wood.

Citește tot Restrânge

Notă biografică

George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, was a prominent 19th-century English novelist celebrated for her psychological depth and realistic portrayal of human nature. Born in rural Warwickshire, Eliot's early life was shaped by the responsibilities of caring for her family after her mother's death. Following her father's passing, she moved to London and became involved in intellectual circles. Eliot began her literary career with Scenes of Clerical Life, and her first novel, Adam Bede, was a major success. To ensure her works were taken seriously, she used a male pen name, as female authors were often dismissed in her time. Her later works include The Mill on the Floss, Silas Marner, Romola, Middlemarch, Daniel Deronda, and the psychological novella The Lifted Veil, which explores themes of clairvoyance, fate, and despair. Despite personal controversies, including her relationship with the married George Henry Lewes, Eliot became a respected literary and intellectual figure.