George Eliot: Biography, Major Works and Themes
George Eliot (1819-1880) was an English novelist associated with the Victorian period of literature. This guide gives students a clear overview of the writer's life, major works and themes.
Quick Facts
| Name | George Eliot |
|---|---|
| Lived | 1819-1880 |
| Known as | An English novelist |
| Period | Victorian |
Major Works
- Middlemarch
- Silas Marner
- The Mill on the Floss
Themes and Style
The writing of George Eliot is best known for provincial life, ethics and psychological realism. When you study these works, look at how language, structure and imagery carry those ideas.
Why Study George Eliot?
George Eliot is a frequent subject in school, college and university syllabuses. Knowing the context of the Victorian period helps you understand why the writer chose particular subjects and forms.
Exam Tips
- Learn two or three key quotations from Middlemarch.
- Link George Eliot's ideas to the historical background of the Victorian period.
- Practise writing a short paragraph on theme, language and form.