Goodreads | Middlemarch (Signet Classics)

Ben rated it:

06/08/08

Read in January, 2008

recommended to Ben by: Becky
recommends it for: fans of 19th century lit

George Eliot's book can't be said to be a work of artful storytelling; or rather it's a book artfully crafted for other than the normal purposes of a formulaic dramatic arc. Middlemarch is thoughtfully, conscientiously outside of the familiar formulas. The lives of the characters carry themes and thoughts and human trajectories in a careful and nuanced dance, here, there, back, forth, but ...more

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Nicole rated it:

02/13/08

bookshelves: classic

I read this novel for a college class. Why else would I have subjected myself to such a long-winded Victorian piece of literature? My first reading was

from amazon.comwonderful! Since then, I have seen the 1994 miniseries of this literary masterpiece, and I have become interested in comparing the two.

Firstly, I can see how many scenes had to been eliminated to to satisfy a modern audience, who lack the sophistication to appreciate English literature having no desire to endure a pletho...more

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Akemi rated it:

06/04/08

bookshelves: school

Read in April, 2008

My other favorite (along with Emma) from my 19th Century British Novel class. The writing is just amazing. Throughout my reading of the book, I just marveled at how perfectly Eliot phrases everything. The only parts that I disliked were her ramblings on medicine- possibly because it's outdated science, possibly because it seemed like she was just showing off her own knowledge for no apparent reason. Although at one point in the novel, she point-blank says that everything she wrote had a purpose ...more My other favorite (along with Emma) from my 19th Century British Novel class. The writing is just amazing. Throughout my reading of the book, I just marveled at how perfectly Eliot phrases everything. The only parts that I disliked were her ramblings on medicine- possibly because it's outdated science, possibly because it seemed like she was just showing off her own knowledge for no apparent reason. Although at one point in the novel, she point-blank says that everything she wrote had a purpose connecting to the novel itself (but I have my doubts). Oh, and I could have lived without some of the chapters on Lydgate and Rosamond's failing marriage. But other than those two complaints, I loved this novel.

One thing that struck me about Middlemarch is how modern it seems. I guess it wasn't written that long ago, but it's still intriguing to see where current problems had their root. For instance, hardly any of the young people in the novel know what they want to do as a career. Sound familiar? The whole idea of a middle class that could choose a career that was more than just a job but a vocation, a calling, something they enjoyed and that would contribute something meaningful, originated at this time period and continues today. Another modern idea discussed in the novel is the difference between city life vs. small town life; Lydgate leaves London because he thinks the city has too many distractions, only to find that Middlemarch politics and social pressures interfere with his life even more directly (a la Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls).

I found Middlemarch strangely similar to All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren, which I had to read in my senior year of high school. I'm sure there is no actual connection between the two (though who knows?), but there are an uncanny number of similarities. Mary's insistence on Fred settling on the right career before she agrees to marry him reminded me of Anne's similar problem with Jack (except Jack never figures it out and thus loses the girl whereas Fred and Mary live happily ever after- the difference between the 19th and 20th centuries...). Bulstrode's plan to construct a hospital and his manipulation of Lydgate, the idealistic young doctor, is ridiculously similar to Willie's plan...to construct a hospital..while manipulating Adam, the idealistic young doctor.

Favorite quote: "If we had a keen vision and feeling of all ordinary human life, it would be like hearing the grass grow and the squirrel's heart beat, and we should die of that roar which lies on the other side of silence."...less

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Laura rated it:

09/28/07

Read in September, 2007

If there is anyone who knew what makes people tick, it was George Eliot. _Middlemarch_ is flawlessly written with a full town of fleshed-out characters with deep-seated motivations and ambitions. There is not a single character that you can not see crystal clear in your mind. It's a hefty read, but this book has it all: love triangles, shady business dealings, unrequited love, high ambitions, intricate societal maneuverings.... it's a soap opera, in short.

There were so many passages t...more If there is anyone who knew what makes people tick, it was George Eliot. _Middlemarch_ is flawlessly written with a full town of fleshed-out characters with deep-seated motivations and ambitions. There is not a single character that you can not see crystal clear in your mind. It's a hefty read, but this book has it all: love triangles, shady business dealings, unrequited love, high ambitions, intricate societal maneuverings.... it's a soap opera, in short.

There were so many passages that I wanted to mark with my pen because I thought, "Yes! That's exactly it!" But here I will only share with you a few of my favorites:

[context: the young Dorothea is preparing to be engaged with the much elder Mr. Causabon]

"Dorothea's faith supplied all that Mr. Casaubon's words seemed to leave unsaid; what believer sees a disturbing omission or infelicity? The text, whether of prophet or of poet, expands for whatever we can put into it, and even his bad grammar is sublime........
'How should I be able now to persevere in any path without your companionship?' said Mr. Casaubon, kissing her candid brow and feeling that heaven had vouchsafed him a blessing in every way suited to his peculiar wants. He was being unconsciously wrought upon by the charms of a nature which was entirely without hidden calculations either for immediate effects of for remoter ends. It was this which made Dorothea so childlike, and according to some judges, so stupid, with all her reputed cleverness; as, for example, in the present case of throwing herself, metaphorically speaking, at Mr. Casaubon's feet and kissing his unfashionable shoeties as if he were a Protestant Pope. She was not in the least teaching Mr. Casaubon to ask if he were good enough for her, but merely asking herself anxiously how she could be good enough for Mr. Casaubon." (p. 51-52)

Now.... if THAT doesn't say it all......

Here's another one.... ;)

"'...Because he only wishes what is for your own good. And, of course men know best about everything except what women know better.'" (p. 714)

Feminism rears its head!

And, finally, I leave you with this:
"Men and women make sad mistakes about their own symptoms, taking their vague, uneasy longings sometimes for genius, sometimes for religion, and oftener still for a mighty love." (p. 731)
...less

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