(BLOCK-4) (UNIT-4) ELIOT’S PERSPECTIVES

1. Sum up the main argument in Terry Eagleton's criticism of George Eliot and give your own assessment of his views. 

Terry Eagleton's criticism of George Eliot's novel Middlemarch centers on her portrayal of the character Dorothea Brooke. Eagleton argues that Eliot's depiction of Dorothea as a selfless, virtuous woman who sacrifices her own desires for her husband's intellectual pursuits is ultimately a conservative and patriarchal view of femininity.

Eagleton contends that Eliot's depiction of Dorothea perpetuates the myth of the "angel in the house," a feminine ideal that was prevalent in Victorian society and emphasized a woman's role as a selfless caretaker for her family. According to Eagleton, this view of femininity ultimately reinforces the patriarchal power structure by limiting women's potential for self-actualization and individuality.

While Eagleton's critique of the "angel in the house" ideal is valid, his argument overlooks the complexity of Dorothea's character and the broader themes of Middlemarch. Eliot's novel explores the limitations and opportunities for women in Victorian society, and Dorothea's struggles to reconcile her own desires with the expectations placed upon her as a woman are central to this exploration.

Furthermore, Eagleton's criticism ignores the fact that Eliot's own life and work challenged traditional gender roles and expectations. Eliot herself lived an unconventional life, both in her personal relationships and in her career as a writer, and her novels often subvert gender norms and challenge social conventions.

Overall, while Eagleton's critique of the "angel in the house" ideal has merit, his narrow focus on Dorothea's character fails to fully appreciate the complexity and nuance of Eliot's work and the broader themes of Middlemarch.

2.Critically examine George Eliot‟s response to the issues raised by the “Woman Question”. How does this reflect in the text of Middlemarch with reference to Dorothea‟s widowed condition? 

George Eliot's response to the "Woman Question," which was a debate over the role and rights of women in Victorian society, is complex and multifaceted. In her novel Middlemarch, Eliot explores the limitations and opportunities for women in the context of their social and economic positions, while also challenging traditional gender norms and expectations.

One way in which Eliot addresses the "Woman Question" in Middlemarch is through the character of Dorothea Brooke, who becomes a widow early in the novel. As a young, wealthy, and educated woman, Dorothea faces a number of challenges and limitations that are specific to her gender and social position. She is expected to marry again quickly, and her choices are constrained by social norms and expectations.

At the same time, however, Dorothea's widowed condition also offers her certain freedoms and opportunities that are not available to married women. She is able to pursue her intellectual interests and engage in philanthropic work, and she ultimately chooses to devote herself to these pursuits rather than remarrying. Eliot uses Dorothea's character to explore the tension between social expectations and individual desire, and to challenge the idea that marriage and motherhood are the only paths to fulfillment for women.

Beyond Dorothea's personal story, Eliot also engages with the broader issues of the "Woman Question" through the novel's portrayal of gender roles and relationships. She critiques traditional gender norms and expectations, such as the idea that women should be passive and subservient to men, and challenges the notion that women are inherently inferior to men in intelligence and ability.

Overall, Eliot's response to the "Woman Question" in Middlemarch is nuanced and complex, reflecting her belief that women should have greater opportunities for education, work, and personal fulfillment. Through Dorothea's character and the novel's broader themes, Eliot offers a critique of traditional gender roles and expectations, while also exploring the possibilities and limitations of women's lives in Victorian society.

3. Write a short note on Raffles, mentioning the gothic elements in this part of the story. 

Raffles is a short story written by E.W. Hornung, first published in 1899. It features the character A.J. Raffles, a gentleman thief who steals from the rich to give to himself and his accomplice Bunny Manders. The story is known for its use of gothic elements, which add to the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere of the narrative.

One of the most prominent gothic elements in Raffles is the setting. The story takes place in a dark and ominous mansion, which is described in detail as being old, isolated, and full of shadows. The mansion is filled with secret passages, hidden rooms, and mysterious noises, all of which contribute to the sense of unease and foreboding.

Another gothic element in Raffles is the use of the supernatural. Although there is no explicit presence of ghosts or other supernatural beings, the story is full of eerie and unexplained events, such as doors opening and closing by themselves, footsteps heard in empty hallways, and strange apparitions glimpsed in mirrors. These elements create a sense of terror and uncertainty, adding to the suspense of the story.

Overall, the gothic elements in Raffles help to create a dark and unsettling atmosphere, which adds to the tension and suspense of the narrative. The use of these elements is also reflective of the wider gothic literary tradition, which often features haunted settings, mysterious occurrences, and supernatural elements to explore themes of fear, terror, and the unknown.