Middlemarch by George Eliot is a vivid portrayal of 19th-century English provincial life, focusing on characters like Dorothea Brooke, an idealistic young woman, and Dr. Tertius Lydgate, an ambitious physician. Their intersecting stories explore themes of marriage, ambition, and societal constraints, highlighting the complexities of human relationships.
The Mill on the Floss follows siblings Tom and Maggie Tulliver as they grow up at Dorlcote Mill. Facing financial hardship and societal pressures, Maggie struggles between family loyalty and her own desires, leading to tragic consequences. The novel explores the sibling bond and the limited choices for women in a patriarchal society.
Silas Marner tells the story of a reclusive weaver who finds new meaning in life after adopting an orphaned child, Eppie. Betrayed and isolated after a false accusation, Silas rediscovers faith and human connection through love. The novel touches on themes of redemption, transformation, and the contrast between rural and industrial life.