(BLOCK-4) (UNIT-1) APPROACHING THE NOVEL

1. What are the arguments justifying the criticism of Middlemarch made by Henry James, F.R. Leavis and Arnold Kettle? Discuss. 

Middlemarch, a novel by George Eliot, has been widely acclaimed as a literary masterpiece. However, some critics, including Henry James, F.R. Leavis, and Arnold Kettle, have also raised critical concerns about the novel.

Henry James, a celebrated American novelist, wrote a review of Middlemarch in 1873, shortly after its publication. He praised the novel's psychological depth and realism but criticized its lack of unity and coherence. James argued that the novel is "loose and baggy," with too many characters and plotlines that do not fit together. He also suggested that Eliot's attempt to portray the complexity of social life in a small town ultimately led to a lack of focus and impact.

F.R. Leavis, a prominent literary critic of the mid-20th century, also criticized Middlemarch for its lack of focus and coherence. He argued that the novel is too diffuse and lacks a central vision or idea. According to Leavis, Eliot's attempt to portray the complexity of social life in a small town ultimately results in a failure to convey a clear moral message or theme. He also criticized Eliot's use of omniscient narration, which he felt created distance between the reader and the characters.

Arnold Kettle, another mid-20th-century critic, also criticized Middlemarch for its lack of coherence and unity. He argued that the novel is too sprawling and diffuse, with too many characters and plotlines that do not contribute to a clear central theme or idea. Kettle also criticized Eliot's use of symbolism, which he felt was too heavy-handed and didactic.

Despite these criticisms, Middlemarch continues to be widely regarded as a literary masterpiece. Many modern critics appreciate the novel's complexity and depth, as well as its realistic portrayal of social life in Victorian England. While some critics have faulted the novel for its lack of focus and coherence, others argue that these qualities are precisely what make the novel so rich and rewarding to read.

2. What were the artistic problems facing George Eliot as she began composing Middlemarch? 

George Eliot faced several artistic problems as she began composing Middlemarch. One of the major problems was how to create a realistic portrayal of the complex society of the time, with its many different social classes, professions, and ways of life. She wanted to write a novel that would capture the essence of the social and political changes taking place in England at the time, and to do so in a way that was both informative and entertaining.

Another problem was how to create characters who were both realistic and sympathetic. Eliot wanted to write a novel that would explore the inner lives of her characters in depth, and to do so in a way that would make them come alive on the page. She wanted her readers to be able to identify with her characters and to feel a sense of emotional connection to them.

Finally, Eliot faced the challenge of how to weave together the many different threads of her story into a coherent whole. She wanted to write a novel that would explore a wide range of themes and ideas, but at the same time she wanted to make sure that all of these different elements fit together seamlessly and contributed to the overall impact of the work.

3. Give a brief sketch about the life of St. Theresa. What is her connection with Dorothea? 

St. Theresa, also known as St. Teresa of Avila, was a Spanish mystic, writer, and reformer who lived from 1515 to 1582. She was born into a wealthy and influential family and joined the Carmelite convent at the age of 20. She experienced many visions and mystical experiences, which she recorded in her writings, and she worked to reform the Carmelite order to emphasize prayer and contemplation.

Dorothea Brooke, the protagonist of "Middlemarch" by George Eliot, is deeply interested in the writings of St. Theresa. She sees St. Theresa as a model for her own spiritual aspirations and seeks to emulate her dedication to a life of service and devotion. Dorothea reads St. Theresa's works throughout the novel and even quotes from them in her conversations with other characters. In this way, St. Theresa serves as a kind of spiritual guide for Dorothea, helping her to navigate the challenges she faces in her personal and social life.