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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. After Sarah left Silas, how long was it before she married William Dane?

2. Who was William Dane?

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

4. Why did Silas Marner need to go to the town in the rain while roasting his dinner?

5. What does Silas appear to look like when he arrives at the Rainbow after his gold is stolen?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Dunsey’s thoughts about Silas Marner’s gold in relation to his need for money and his plans to already sell his brother’s horse.

2. How does the sale of Wildfire take place?

3. What was Silas Marner’s life in Raveloe like in the years following his arrival from Lantern Yard?

4. Explain Silas Marner’s reaction to his gold being lost.

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

6. In what ways does Godfrey overthink his guilt and planned confessions throughout the story?

7. How does the conversation of the townsfolk differ from the feelings of Silas Marner regarding his stolen treasure?

8. How is Raveloe different from Lantern Yard?

9. How does Dunsey get out of having to pay back Godfrey?

10. Silas Marner turns to what activities to comfort himself in his bitterness?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In your own words explain some of the challenges you might see Silas Marner facing while raising the two-year-old girl Eppie into adulthood.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Pick three of the main themes that can be found in the story of Silas Marner.

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