(BLOCK-4) (UNIT-3) PHILOSOPHICAL UNDERPINNINGS

1. In reviewing Casaubon‟s behaviour towards Dorothea, do you regard him with sympathy or anger? Give reasons for your answer.

Casaubon's behavior towards Dorothea can be seen as both sympathetic and anger-inducing, depending on one's perspective.

On the one hand, it can be argued that Casaubon is a sympathetic character who is deeply committed to his scholarly pursuits and his work. He is depicted as a man with a strong sense of duty and responsibility, who believes that his life's work is of great importance to society. In this sense, his preoccupation with his work and his neglect of Dorothea can be seen as a result of his passion for his research rather than a deliberate attempt to hurt her.

On the other hand, it can also be argued that Casaubon's behavior towards Dorothea is deeply problematic and unjustified. He is depicted as a cold, distant, and controlling figure who places unreasonable expectations on Dorothea and restricts her from pursuing her own interests and passions. He is seen as a man who is more concerned with his own ego and reputation than with the well-being of his wife.

Overall, the portrayal of Casaubon's behavior towards Dorothea in Middlemarch is complex and multifaceted, and readers may have differing opinions on his character and actions.

2. Write a note on the main tenets of Determinism and show how the philosophy explains the personality of Lydgate or Rosamond.

Determinism is a philosophical doctrine that asserts that all events, including human actions and decisions, are ultimately determined by prior causes and natural laws. In other words, determinists believe that everything that happens in the universe, including human behavior, is predetermined and inevitable.

The main tenets of determinism include:

Causality: Determinists believe that every event, including human actions, is caused by prior events and natural laws. There is no room for chance or free will in this worldview.

Universality: Determinists believe that the laws of causality apply universally to all events and entities in the universe.

Predictability: Determinists believe that, given complete knowledge of the relevant causes and laws, it is possible to predict with certainty the outcome of any event or decision.

Now, in Middlemarch, the characters of Lydgate and Rosamond can be seen as examples of how determinism can explain human behavior.

Lydgate is a character who is driven by his ambition and desire to make a difference in the field of medicine. He is also shown to be susceptible to the influence of others, such as his wife Rosamond, who manipulates him into making certain decisions. From a determinist perspective, Lydgate's actions can be seen as the result of his upbringing, education, and the various influences and pressures he has experienced throughout his life.

Similarly, Rosamond's behavior can also be explained in terms of determinism. She is depicted as a character who is driven by her desire for wealth, status, and social recognition. She is shown to be manipulative and controlling, using her beauty and charm to get what she wants. From a determinist perspective, Rosamond's behavior can be seen as the result of her upbringing, social conditioning, and the various influences and pressures she has experienced throughout her life.

Overall, determinism can be seen as a way of explaining the personalities and behaviors of the characters in Middlemarch, showing how their actions are the result of prior causes and natural laws, rather than chance or free will.

3. How do you account for the contradiction in Mary Garth, that she should be so mature in her dealings with Peter Featherstone yet so impetuous in her love for Fred who least deserves her? 

Mary Garth is a complex character in Middlemarch, and her actions and motivations can be difficult to understand at times. One apparent contradiction in her behavior is the contrast between her mature dealings with Peter Featherstone and her impetuous love for Fred Vincy, who is seen as being undeserving of her affections.

One possible way to account for this contradiction is to consider the different contexts in which Mary's behavior occurs. With Peter Featherstone, Mary is acting in a professional capacity as his secretary, and she understands the importance of maintaining a certain level of decorum and professionalism in their interactions. She is able to navigate the complexities of his personality and demands, and she does not let her emotions get in the way of her job.

In contrast, Mary's relationship with Fred Vincy is a personal one, and her emotions play a much more significant role. She is deeply in love with him, despite his flaws and the fact that he is not always deserving of her affections. This impetuousness can be seen as a reflection of Mary's own emotional nature, which is not always rational or controlled.

Another possible explanation is that Mary's maturity in her dealings with Peter Featherstone is in part a result of her experience and confidence in her professional abilities. She knows her job well and is able to assert herself in a way that is not always possible in her personal relationships.

Overall, the contradiction in Mary's behavior can be seen as a reflection of the complexities and contradictions of human nature. She is a character with both mature and impetuous aspects to her personality, and her behavior reflects the different contexts and situations in which she finds herself.