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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Dunsey initially want to get Silas Marner’s money?

2. Why does Dunsey knock on Silas Marner’s door loudly?

3. Where does Silas Marner hide his gold?

4. How does Bryce know that Dunsey wants to sell Wildfire?

5. Who is appointed deputy-constable in the investigation of Silas' stolen gold?

Short Essay Questions

1. Silas Marner’s departure from his home and his travels to Raveloe is compared to the divinities of old in what way?

2. Why is Godfrey Cass waiting to see his brother, Dunsey in the first scene where we meet them in Chapter 3?

3. Why was Dunsey able to get away without immediate consequences after “staking” Wildfire during the hunt?

4. In what way is Silas Marner deemed guilty of theft by his fellows of Lantern Yard?

5. How is Raveloe different from Lantern Yard?

6. How does the reaction of the crowd at the Rainbow to the theft differ from our modern handling of a crime?

7. Why does Godfrey have such a hard time with the idea of confessing his situation to his father?

8. What does Eliot accomplish by taking an entire chapter to set the scene at the Rainbow before Silas Marner’s arrival?

9. The absence of Dunsey and the news of the death of Wildfire drives Godfrey to what decision?

10. What does the incident with the brown earthenware pot show about Silas’ condition?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dolly Winthrop is brought into the narrative as a softhearted, compassionate neighbor. What are two important ways that she helps Silas Marner?

Essay Topic 2

Dunsey Cass is cast as an antagonist in the story. How does his selfishness towards his brother impact Silas Marner?

Essay Topic 3

Eliot uses very eloquent wording throughout the novel to describe scenery, conversations, and emotions. While these passages often do not drive the storyline forward, they are critical to the overall impact of the story. Select two examples where Eliot uses vivid language and explain how it helps the story.

(see the answer keys)

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