George Eliot creates a lot of drama in this text. There could be a few dramatic turning points which are for different people. She relates back to moments earlier in the novel to make her point get across and make a stronger mark on the reader.
In the first paragraph Godfrey is encountered with his child and Silas’s arms, “…an object as startling to him…”, Eliot uses dramatic language here about Godfrey’s feelings and his reaction to that moment.
Also this is the second time in the novel where Silas is involved with the village, “…as if it had been an apparition from the dead.” The first time was at the rainbow and the villagers where talking about ghosts and, “ suddenly seen standing in the warm light, uttering no word,…” this is a comparison with Godfrey when everyone thought he was a ghost.
Another dramatic point in the first paragraph is “ It was his own child.” This is very short and to the point and creates a punch tone, and it’s could be the start of a turning point, It is a realisation to Godfrey that’s his child.
Throughout the novel we see Godfrey can’t make up his mind and again “…hope was rising that he might possibly be mistaken, this shows the indecisive character and how he hope the fate will intervene and it’s not his child. Also at this moment Godfrey was “ trying to control himself” and “ white-lipped and trembling.”, this created movement of Godfrey that he is anxious and therefore enhances the drama, also Godfrey is in shock, and shows his character, but this feeling is a direct comparison to the main character, it is parallel to what Silas has been through and now it is what Godfrey is going through. Going back and reminded the reader of the past emphasises the dramatic moment.
When everyone sees Silas there is a change in setting “…all eyes at the end of the room were bent on Silas Marner”, this shows isolation of Silas as for once, also he is joining the village more. Squire Cass spots Silas ” ‘ How’s this?- what’s this? – what do you do coming in this way?’ ” Squire is angry of Silas’s presence, this is the idea of status in the novel.
Also another idea of status is ” ‘ Why, what’s the matter, Marner?’ ” Calling a person by their last name is when that person is low class.
When Silas answers the question Godfrey turns up, “ She’s dead, I think – dead in the snow at the Stone-pits – not far from my door.’ ” This is dramatic as the subject of death is dramatic on its own, but also this could be the turning point of Godfrey’s life.
At this point the drama builds up “ Godfrey felt a big throb…one terror in his mind…the woman might not be dead.”, he is hoping that she is dead I think this creates suspense in the readers mind.
“ Godfrey’s kindly disposition”, Eliot is saying that Godfrey is a nice man but he is weak, he is not telling the truth. It is a shock as someone so kind has evil thoughts.
All the ladies came over and were interested in the child. Here there is a turning point for Silas ” solitary linen-weaver there under such strange circumstances” he is no longer in isolation, he brings interest with the “ pretty child” this is also a contrast to Silas.
Eliot writes in Eppie’s point of view when she is in Silas’a arms, “…half alarmed…by the brightness and the numerous company…made her bury her face with new determination.”, as she does this it shows that Silas knows that he is redeemed and is a turning point for him .
A shock comes to the reader next and Eliot shows this in language when Godfrey denied his child. “ I don’t know, …Godfrey wring from himself with terrible effort. The language creates a dramatic feeling to the reader, also shows character of Godfrey, it hurt himself saying that.
Later on Mrs Kimble who is “ good natured”, this gives us the feel to the character of the villagers, decides to take the baby but silas had different ideas ” No – no I can’t part with it, I cant let it go’ said Silas, abruptly. ‘ Its come to me – I’ve a right to keep it.’ ” This also a dramatic turning point as here Godfrey could’ve told the truth.
Throughout the text you can tell that with relating situations back to the past and with use of strong to the point language Eliot does create amatic turning points which are strung out to the reader.
