Lillian Breslow Rubin once remarked, "Personal change, growth, development, identity formation - these tasks...now are recognized as part of adult life as well." George Eliot evidently shares the same opinion as Rubin, for she depicts Silas Marner as a maturing individual in his later years throughout Silas Marner. Silas, a man who leads the majority of his life as a recluse, gradually matures into a sympathetic and affectionate individual. Silas, who was once religious and outgoing, now remains in seclusion and is looked upon as an oddity by society. However, as Silas' life progresses, he becomes more involved with his community and interacts with his neighbors. At last, Silas discovers hope in life and completes his transformation into a loving, social character.

Silas Marner leads his life as an outcast in Raveloe and lives in isolation on the outskirts of town. As a recluse, Silas is a...