Human Truths In Silas Marner

Silas Marner reveals to us several truths about human nature. The following are only a few...

1. Jealousy can drive a man crazy...

...crazy in a sense that they will do anything in their power to get what they want. This statement was exhibited during the 1st chapter of the story wherein William Dane put lust over friendship when he betrayed Silas Marner. His betrayal, we find out, was an act of jealousy. It was revealed that he to wanted to have Silas's fiancйe Sarah.

2. Gossip is an age-old tradition...

...human nature. Gossip has been a form of recreation and self-security for people who practice it. During Silas's transfer to Raveloe, he mostly kept to himself. Thus, the mystery surrounding this new resident turned into gossip for the townspeople of Raveloe. Since no one really knew who this man was, rumors started to envelop his persona.

3. Superstition...

...generally, people are afraid of what they do not understand. This is more highlighted when 'magic' or 'witchery' is involved. When Sally Oates received herbal medication from Silas, his true identity was questioned furthermore. To the townsfolk, the question lingered - "How did he cure Oates without having the title "doctor" attached to his name?"

4. Blackmail can be very persuasive...

...blackmail, bribery, etc. Although these tactics are not advisable to use, it works most of the time. Why? Simple. Our security is very important to us. Every human being possesses a deep dark secret. Usually, these deep dark secrets are exactly what they are - deep and dark. Once discovered by a fellow man, he is endangered. It is typical that a man will succumb to the demands of the other party just to keep his secret under covers just like in the case of Dunstan and Godfrey. The persuasive tactics of Dunstan allowed him to obtain what he wanted almost all the time. Godfrey, fearful that Dunstan might let his secret slip to the public, gives in unwillingly.

5. Sadness leaves room for reflection...

...once in isolation after a terrible ordeal, we tend to reflect on our past actions. This can sometimes be good - we identify our mistakes and derive useful lessons from it. Nevertheless, it may also be dangerous. There are times when we start blaming others and ourselves for the wrong that happened. Like Silas, he isolated himself again and reflected on the last events he had done just before finding out that he was robbed. Luckily, his depression after reflecting on much older hurtful events didn't lead him to suicide.

6. No one likes being played...

...a good joke is fine but it's always different when